Announcements
TNA District #18 GAC Update by Cindy Hill Print E-mail

February 2010 Update

Hello to all!  The holiday season is over, and we are all looking forward to the warm days of spring. I hope everyone has been following the political news. It certainly has been easy to find information. The news media, internet traffic, Twitter, and other forms of communication are over run with news about health care reform. It is for that reason that I won’t spend much time with discussion about health care reform and the coming negotiations in Washington. We all know that something has to occur so that health care can be accessed by the people who need it. Insurance has to be affordable and available to those who have pre-existing medical conditions. Prevention of disease processes and education about how to achieve good health are key elements to a healthier, and consequently happier, population. Nurses are at the forefront in the provision of care to the ever growing population. I encourage all of you to follow the impending legislative process and negotiations in Washington. I strongly urge you to stay in contact with your Senators and Congressman/woman so that you can offer input to the law for health care reform that will eventually be written, re-written, and passed. Your opinion is important! Don’t miss this opportunity to voice your thoughts.  After all, nurses have the inside track about patient needs.

 

As many of you are aware, a different battle has been waged in the past few months in Winkler County, Texas. Two nurses filed a complaint with the Texas Medical Board regarding substandard practice by a physician who practices in Kermit, Texas. Anne Mitchell, RN and Vicki Galle, RN were fired from their jobs, arrested, criminally indicted for “misuse of official information” (a 3rd degree felony), and, in Ms. Mitchell’s case, taken to trial. The good news is that the case against Ms. Galle was dropped by the prosecution on February 1st. The best news is that the jury acquitted Ms. Mitchell of charges on February 11th!  In the interest of space, I have included two web sites for you to access:  the Texas Nurses Association (TNA) web site and an article from the New York Times announcing the verdict. You can follow the case from the beginning on the TNA web site. The New York Times article contains a link to the federal lawsuit that has been filed on behalf of Ms. Mitchell and Ms. Galle based on denial of their civil rights. It makes for very interesting reading. I highly encourage you to take the time to read the information related to this case.

 

http://www.texasnurses.org/

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/12/us/12nurses.html?hp

 

You might ask how this whole situation could happen when Texas has laws in place that protect “whistle blowers”. I am by no means a legal expert; I leave that to the attorneys and legislators. Obviously, anything can happen when citizens report issues of safety in a confidential format as was the case with the two nurses above. The laws are in place to give those who report protection from retaliation and recourse should retaliation occur. As nurses and patient advocates, we have the duty to report unsafe or substandard care. It is written into the Texas Nurse Practice Act and the Code of Ethics for Nursing. Even though the lives of Ms. Mitchell and Ms. Galle were thrown into chaos, they did the right thing in an effort to protect the safety of the patients they served in Winkler County. It is my hope that other law enforcement officials will think twice before using the power of their office in the manner above against nurses, or other health care practitioners, who report substandard care in the interest of patient safety.

 

The acquittal of Ms. Mitchell absolutely made my day on February 11th!! It testifies to the fact that the public at large is listening and expects the highest of standards of care from anyone who engages in the practice of patient care. My hat is off to the courage and discretion displayed by Ms. Mitchell and Ms. Galle. Their actions make me proud to be a part of the profession of nursing! I congratulate them. I wish them well. I wish them great future success!

 

 

Cindy Hill

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

 
 
American Nurses Association 2010 House of Delegates Print E-mail

American Nurses Association 2010 House of Delegates:

Championing Nursing in Texas

by

Jeff Watson, BSN, RN-BC, NE-BC

Texas Delegate

Introduction

In mid-June, 2010, over 600 Registered Nurses (RNs), gathered in the capital of the United States as the American Nurses Association (ANA) House of Delegates (HOD) began the work of the profession.  The group of RNs, elected by peers, engaged in a dynamic exchange of ideas, ultimately sharpening the focus and direction of the organization.  Delegates were charged to consider the emerging landscape of healthcare as professional representatives making decisions to benefit ANA and nursing as a whole.  Before the HOD were a variety of concerns.  This paper briefly discusses the background of the ANA and the Texas Nurses Association (TNA).  A concise review of Nursing's Social Policy Statement is included.   The discourse concludes with a review of how selected decisions of the 2010 ANA HOD influence the TNA and provide support for all RNs practicing in the West Texas region.

Background

The ANA is a unique full-service professional organization representing the professional interests of the nation's 3.1 million RNs through state constituent member associations (CMAs) and multiple organization affiliates.  The ANA moves the nursing profession ahead through promoting superior standards of nursing practice, supporting the rights of nurses in the workplace, projecting an encouraging and pragmatic view of nursing, and lobbying the Congress on health care matters affecting nurses and the general public (ANA, 2010).

The TNA is a state constituent member association of the ANA.  The TNA was originally founded in 1907 as the Texas Graduate Nurses' Association (TNA, 2010).  Members of the TNA believe nurses are the best advocates for the profession in all practice environments.  The TNA has been at the forefront of national nursing, most recently with the development of a state program now known as Pathways to Excellence, administered through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.  Since January 2008, 36 hospitals have received the Pathway to Excellence designation, with only two of those hospitals being outside of Texas (ANCC, 2010).

Nursing's Social Policy Statement

The profession of nursing has been characterized as the crucial health care profession (ANA, 2010).  Nurses are highly esteemed for the knowledge, skill, and care delivered in the ongoing battle to improve the overall wellbeing of the American public.  Nursing, as a profession, has a single scope of practice embodied in the variety of activities of practicing RNs (ANA, 2010).

Nursing also has a social contract with American society.  The contract applies to the work of the professional nurse in the context of individual, family, group, community, or population settings (ANA, 2010).  The elements of the social contract are:

  • Humans manifest an essential unity of mind, body, and spirit.
  • Human experience is contextually and culturally defined.
  • Health and illness are human experiences. The presence of illness does not preclude health, nor does optimal health preclude illness.
  • The relationship between the nurse and patient occurs within the context of the values and belief of the patient and nurse.
  • Public policy and the healthcare delivery system influence the health and wellbeing of society and professional nursing.
  • Individual responsibility and inter-professional involvement are essential (ANA, 2010).

Nursing's Social Policy Statement is a foundational publication of the ANA,

helping to conceptualize the framework of nursing.  The Social Policy Statement also informs and provides direction to nursing researchers, educators, and administrators (ANA, 2010).

Bylaws Amendments

Bylaws are rules and regulations governing the operation of an organization (Merriam-Webster, 2010).  The Nurses Associated Alumnae of the United States and Canada, forerunner of the ANA, first established and approved bylaws in 1897 (ANA Bylaws, 2008).  Amendments to the bylaws occurred throughout the years, as the changes occurred in the socio-political landscape of America.  The following is a brief discussion of two ANA HOD 2010 bylaw amendments with national, state, and local implications.

Unifying language. In December 2007, the ANA notified its two Affiliate Organizational Members, the United American Nurses (UAN) and the Center for American Nurses (Center) of intent to disaffiliate.  The UAN was the official collective bargaining wing of the ANA to support nurses in unionized organizations.  The Center was the opposing wing of workforce advocacy to support those nurses from right-to-work states who are not members of collective bargaining units or unions.  Today, both entities continue to exist as advocacy options for nurses without a direct link to the ANA.  Leadership of the ANA argued each state nursing association would be better positioned to determine appropriate advocacy avenues for RN members (Patton & Sterle, 2007).  On July 1, 2008, disaffiliation was finalized.

Owing to the disaffiliation with the UAN and the Center, language revisions were necessary for accuracy of the ANA bylaws.  Previous bylaw language ensured the advocacy programs of collective bargaining and workplace advocacy.  The new language of the bylaws is as follows:  "Support of CMAs' right to engage in collective bargaining and workforce advocacy for nurses" (ANA HOD, 2010).

The TNA holds affiliation with the Center, as Texas is a right to work state.  Right to work laws allow employees the right of determination of joining and/or supporting unions (National Right to Work, 2010).  Union activity has been occurring in Texas, with the organization of hospitals in Houston, El Paso, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, and McAllen (NNOC, 2010).  Texas has the third highest number of RNs in the country behind California and New York, states where RNs are largely organized and represented by a nursing union (NNOC, 2010).  Nurses are not required to join a union to work in Texas.  The Center offers a website replete with resources for clinical nurses, nurse leaders and nurse educators to assist in gaining necessary skills for self-advocacy (Center for American Nurses, 2010).

Pilot programs.  The unstable economic environment has influenced declining membership in ANA, making financial viability a permanent concern of both the ANA and TNA.  With the intent of increasing membership, the ANA Bylaws Committee requested a bylaws change allowing ANA leadership to explore and trial new membership options.  Specialty nursing organizations compete for organizational membership dollars of the rank and file.  Many nurses, unfortunately, do not fully comprehend the single nursing organization protecting the practice of the RN is the ANA, not specialty organizations.  Seeking non-traditional membership options, with the agreement of CMAs, is necessary to ensure ANA is the one true representative voice of nurses everywhere, particularly in West Texas.  The HOD approved the following bylaw language:

For the purpose of retaining and/or increasing membership and on a pilot basis, the Board of Directors may establish membership categories, dues rates and payment options that may differ with HOD policies and bylaws.  Such pilot programs with the written agreements of involved CMAs shall not exceed the longer of two years or until the conclusion of the next scheduled House of Delegates after the completion of a pilot (ANA HOD, 2010).

Reference Hearings

Resolutions are acts of determination (Merriam-Webster, 2010).  Changes in the world and nation prevail upon the ANA to adapt, requiring membership to determine a path for the profession.  Four significant resolutions, all affirmed by the delegates at the 2010 HOD are discussed, including implications for the nurses of West Texas.

Health literacy. Health literacy is defined as the capacity to obtain and functionally utilize health information (Mancuso, 2008).  Poor health literacy is responsible for an annual financial burden of $73 billion in America (Committee on Health Literacy, 2004).  To realize the best health outcomes, significant comprehension of health and wellness teaching is imperative.  Nurses must be able to structure education to maximize understanding (Boswell, Cannon, Aung, & Eldrige, 2004).

Patient education is now viewed in a broader model of health awareness and promotion, leaving behind the days of illness-related instructions (Roter, Satashefsky-Margalit, & Rudd, 2001).  In any environment or practice setting, patient teaching yields positive outcomes if the patient grasps the healthcare information offered (Sorrell, 2006).  As an example, Rudd (2007) reports the process of taking medication involves the expected adult tasks of reading, time differentiation, planning, and scheduling.  Therefore, health literacy relates not only to health information but to a variety of assumed mundane tasks necessary for the implementation of health-related activities.

In patient teaching, West Texas nurses face the major obstacles of education, language, transient worker lifestyle, economics, and time.  Nurses understand healthcare knowledge is necessary for life.  The frustration in practice lies in knowing the information needing to be shared and failing in efforts to accomplish the goal.  There is no blame to place.  The ANA HOD affirmed the healthcare literacy resolution to promote and support nursing initiatives and research aimed at improving health literacy in the United States and across the world.

Healthcare for undocumented immigrants. Since 1970, there has been a steady influx of documented and undocumented immigrants into the United States (Derose, Escarce, & Lurie, 2007).  Undocumented immigrants have greater challenges in accessing healthcare than documented immigrants secondary to language and cultural barriers (Urrutia-Rojas, Marshall, Trevino, Lurie, & Minguia-Bayona, 2006).

Most immigrants arrive in the United States looking for work.  The health status of this population is good upon arrival, particularly since the immigrants are younger.  As undocumented immigrants age and face constant cultural barriers, access to healthcare is difficult, thus the vulnerability of this population increases.  A 2006 study in North Texas demonstrated access to care as a fundamental requirement to improvement of healthcare outcomes (Urrutia-Rojas, et.al., 2006).

The ANA Code of Ethics guides nurses in practice.  The question of equal access is addressed clearly in the Code of Ethics, supporting the rights and well being of all human beings regardless of socio-economic status or personal attributes (ANA, 2005).  In West Texas, undocumented immigrants have become a part of the routine practice in the delivery of nursing care in all organizations.  Managing the increasing population has placed an additional burden on the already taxed local healthcare system.  The HOD affirmed the ANA position of equal access to care and education of nursing regarding the long-term and wide-ranging impact of essential healthcare services.

Mentoring programs for novice nurses. A resolution was presented to support mentoring programs aimed at new nursing graduates who are leaving the nursing profession within the first one or two years of employment.  Reasons cited in literature for turnover include:  staffing, workload, patient acuity, poor leadership support, and environments promoting unsafe care (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2009).  In 2000, a 28% increase in the number of RNs not employed in nursing was reported by the United States Department of Health and Human Services (Granger, 2006).

A 2005 study of novice nurses in Nevada indicated a 30 percent attrition rate in the first year and 57 percent the second year due to transition realities (Bowles & Candela, 2005).  Erickson and Grove (2007) found younger nurses experienced much higher stress levels, agitation, and burnout in practice.  Evidence in both studies linked mentorship with experienced nurses as a best practice for meeting the emotional weight of the transition into professional nursing practice.

While preceptor programs focus mainly on socialization to an organization, mentoring programs have been identified through research as a strong method for reducing costly turnover through relationship-building with experienced nurses within the organization (Wagner & Seymour, 2007).  Mentoring programs have also been identified with improving role transition, reducing stress, increasing nurse satisfaction, and overall improvement of the work environment (Bally, 2007).  Mills and Mullins (2008) reported increased retention and positive effects for mentors and protégés in a 3-year study of a structured mentoring project in California.

West Texas is fortunate to have a wide variety of RN educational opportunities with baccalaureate nursing programs found in Canyon, Lubbock, and San Angelo.  Associate degree nursing schools are located in Amarillo, Levelland, Midland and Odessa.  A single diploma program remains in Lubbock.  The rich educational opportunities in West Texas set the stage for a robust nursing workforce.  However, many novice nurses have left the area and profession secondary to similar challenges faced by new nurses across the country.  In response, many West Texas healthcare organizations have begun to establish mentoring programs in an effort to support the novice nurse in the transition to professional practice.

Social networking and the nurse. There is very little research regarding the new phenomena of social networking and its role in nursing practice.  The ANA HOD, in an effort to begin the dialogue, brought forth an informational resolution.  An informational resolution does not require the ANA HOD to take action, however, it does indicate action will be considered in the future as nursing research evolves and demands attention.

The nature of social networking is new to most everyone.  Nurses need to understand the potential reach of social networking sites such as Facebook®, MySpace®, and Twitter®.  Although social networking sites have positive benefits in the realm of mutual support and knowledge sharing, there are negative effects as well.  Some negative aspects include:  loss of privacy, legal liability, and loss of professionalism (Frohna, McGregor, & Spector, 2009).

The ANA Code of Ethics outlines ethical responsibilities of nurses in practice relating to social networking (ANA 2005).   Crossing over through personal and professional boundaries can represent a conflict of interest for the nurse.  Nurses have accountability for individual actions, professionally and personally.  Nurses have the responsibility to behave consistent with personal and professional values to protect the integrity of self and profession.

The HOD supported this informational resolution.  Social networking remains unfamiliar territory for the ANA.  Research is needed to guide and inform policies and practices in the utilization of social networking on the national stage as well as at the local level.

Conclusion

It is clear the ANA is tackling the very issues nurses in West Texas deem important.  With the strengthening of national union activity, nurses in Texas want options to best advocate for colleagues and patients within individual organizations.  Nurses wish to be armed with accurate information on advocacy programs.  The ANA has also taken on other local concerns of health literacy and care of undocumented immigrants.  Experienced nurses, novice nurses, nurse administrators, and healthcare organizations will be the recipients of the ANA resolve to develop mentoring programs, fostering and growing a stable and compassionate workforce.  The ANA is looking ahead to the potential threat social networking poses to nursing professionalism.

The ANA is an organization of professional nurses for professional nurses.  The ANA is a unique collective of voices echoing concerns from a variety of perspectives from all across the country, yet with a unified theme.  The ANA is and always has been the collective voice of nursing in the America.  Standing strong, the ANA continues to fight for and champion the practice of RNs in Texas and across the country.  The ultimate benefactors of the work of the ANA are the patients for who nurses care.

References

American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2009).  Nursing shortage fact sheet.  Retrieved July 11, 2010 from http://wwwaacn.nche.edu/Media/FactSheets/NursingShortage.htm

American Nurses Association. (2010).  House of Delegates Report:  Report on the 2010 Virtual and Onsite Hearings on Bylaws. Is this available on-line?

American Nurses Association. (2010).  Nursing's Social Policy Statement:  The essence of the profession. Silver Spring, MD:  Author.

American Nurses Association. (2005).  Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. Silver Spring, MD:  Author.

American Nurses Association. (2008).  American Nurses Association Bylaws, as amended June 27, 2008.  Silver Spring, MD:  Author.

American Nurses Credentialing Center. (2010).  Pathway to Excellence.  Retrieved July 28, 2010 from http://www.nursecredentialing.org/Pathway.aspx

Bally, J. (2007).  The role of nursing leadership in creating a mentoring culture in acute care environments.  Nursing Economics, 25(3), 143-9.

Boswell, C., Cannon, S., Aung, K., & Eldridge, J. (2004).  An application of health literacy research.  Applied Nursing Research, 17(1), 61-64.

Bowels, C. & Candela, L. (2005).  First job experiences of recent RN graduates:  Imporving the work environment.  Journal of Nursing Administration, 35(3), 130-5.

Center for American Nurses (2010).  Retrieved July 28, 2010 from http://centerforamericannurses.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=2

Committee on Health Literacy, Board of Neuroscience and Behavioral Health, [IOM], (2004).  Health Literacy:  A prescription to end confusion. Washington DC:  The National Academies Press.

Derose, K.P., Escarce, J.J., & Lurie, N. (2007).  Immigrants and healthcare:  Sources of vulnerability.  Health Affairs, 26(5), 1258-1268.

Erickson, R. & Grove, W. (2007).  Why emotions matter:  Age, agitation, and burnout among registered nurses.  Online Journal of Isues in Nursing, 13(1).

Frohna, J., McGregor, R., & Spector, N. (2009).  Promoting professionalism in pediatrics.  Academic Pediatrics, 9(5), 295-7.

Granger, T.A. (2006).  Mentoring:  Leading the way toward positive change.  Reflections on Nursing Leadership, 32(3), Retrieved July 11, 2010 from http://www.reflectionsonnursingleadership.org/Pages/Vol32_3_Granger.aspx

Mancuso, J.M. (2008).  Health literacy:  A concept/dimensional analysis.  Nursing and Health Sciences, 10,248-255.

Merriam-Webster. (2010).  Retreived August 5, 2010 from

http://www3.merriam-webster.com/opendictionary/

Mills, J.F. & Mullins, A.C. (2008).  The California nurse mentor project:  Every nurse deserves a mentor.  Nursing Economics, 26(5), 310.

National Nurses Organizing Committee. (2010).  NNOC Texas.  Retrieved August 5, 2010 from http://www.calnurses.org/nnoc/texas/

National Right to Work. (2010).  Retrieved August 5, 2010 from http://www.nrtw.org/

Patton, R. & Sterle, L. (2008).  ANA terminates affiliation with UAN and the Center.  Wyoming Nurse, 21(1), 11.

Roter, D.L., Satashefsky-Margalit, R., & Rudd, R. (2001).  Current perspectives on patient education in the US.  Patient Education and Counseling, 44(1), 79-86.

Sorrell, J.M. (2006).  Health literacy in older adults.  Journal of Psychological Nursing, 44(3), 17-20.

Texas Nurses Association (2010). Retrieved July 11, 2010 from http://www.texasnurses.org/

Wagner, A. & Seymour, M. (2007).  A model of caring mentorship for nursing.  Journal for Nurses in Staff Development, 23(5), 201-3.

 

 
 
TNA Grant Proposal Information Print E-mail

Welcome to Texas Nurses Association’s (TNA) 18th District’s Grant Program. TNA is a state-wide membership-based association of Registered Nurses (RNs).  Founded in 1907, TNA is the oldest professional nursing association in Texas.  Its members represent all segments of nursing practice, from bedside to administration, consulting to advanced practice, and education to legislation.  Members come from all practice settings: hospital, home and community health, public health, higher education, long-term care, school health, and policy. As divergent as they are, TNA members all share a common purpose: advancing excellence in nursing. It's a pursuit that requires commitment, involvement and leadership -- fortunately, inherent traits of a Registered Nurse. The mission of TNA is: Moving the nursing profession forward through leadership, advocacy and innovation.

The TNA’s 18th District’s Grant Program is established to provide funding support and champion those nurses who are actively in pursuit of nursing growth, innovation, and leadership within TNA’s 18th District. Currently there are two grants available to members.

Emerging TNA Leaders Grant

The Emerging TNA Leaders Grant provides funding for research/projects that will advance evidence based practices in healthcare settings located within TNA’s 18th District. Grant money established for this endeavor is sponsored by TNA’s 18th District. This year, 2010, all relevant topics will be considered.

TNA Scholars Grant

The TNA Scholars Grant is collaboration between Sigma Theta Tau, Iota Mu Chapter and TNA’s 18th District. The mission of the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International is to support the learning, knowledge, and professional development of nurses committed to making a difference in health worldwide. Grant money established for this endeavor is sponsored by Iota Mu Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International. This year, 2010, relevant topics will include qualitative or quantitative research or implementation of evidence based practice.

Application

Questions and/or concerns related to the grant program should be directed to:

Cindy Acton, RN, DNP, NEA-BC, TNA’s 18th District’s Board & Practice, Work Place Issues, and Professional Services Committee, Chair

E-mail Address: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Quick Summary of Grants Information and Timeframe

Number of Anticipated Awards: No more than 5 Awards

Maximum Funds Available: $2,500.00

Open Invitation Begins: March 29, 2010

Application Deadline (Electronic): April 26, 2010 (5pm)

Recipient Notification: May 2010 (TNA Banquet)

Funding Begins: Immediately following Notification

Progress Reports Due: September 1, of every year

Final Report Due: No more than 24 months following notification

(Recipients of 2010 - May 2012)

Emerging TNA Leaders Grant Eligibility Criteria:

Priority will be given to those teams whose primary work requires direct patient care responsibilities.

The principal investigator/project manager must:

  • Be a TNA’s 18th District member.

· Be a Registered Nurse in the State of Texas.

· Submit all required documents.

· Be ready to or have already started the research/project.

· Not be currently serving or not have served in the immediate past two years on the board or committee of TNA’s 18th District. (These members may serve as a consultant or team member).

Team requirements:

  • All team members must be a TNA’s 18th District member.

· One team member must be a first time or inexperienced nurse researcher/project manager. (One who has not received funding support for a study or project).

· Must have one member who is a Master’s prepared nurse or higher serving on the team.

TNA Scholars Grant Eligibility Criteria:

Priority will be given to those teams whose primary work requires indirect patient care responsibilities.

The principal investigator/project manager must:

  • Be a member of TNA’s 18th District and/or STTI-Iota Mu Chapter.

· Be a Registered Nurse in the State of Texas.

· Submit all required documents.

· Be ready to or have already started the research/project.

· Not be currently serving or not have served in the immediate past two years on either the board or committee of TNA’s 18th District or STTI-Iota Mu Chapter. (These members may serve as a consultant or team member).

Team requirements:

  • One team member must be a TNA’s 18th District member.
  • One team member must be a STTI Iota Mu member.
  • All team members must be either a member of TNA’s 18th District or STTI Iota Mu Chapter.
  • Must have one member who is a Master’s prepared nurse or higher serving on the team.

Additional Requirements for All Grants:

· The research/project activities must be implemented within one of TNA’s 18th District’s counties: Cochran, Crosby, Dickens, Floyd, Garza, Hale, King, Knox, Lamb, Lubbock, Lynn, Lockney, Terry and Yoakum.

· A letter of support from the organization(s) in which the research/project will be conducted is required.

· If existing study/project is submitted, proof of Institutional Review Board Approval (IRB) approval.

Invitation Procedure:

All TNA’s 18th District members are encouraged to apply. If you are not an experienced researcher/project manager, but you are interested in conducting a nursing research/project, TNA’s 18th District’s Board & Practice, Work Place Issues, and Professional Services Committee will assist you in obtaining a consultant for your research/project.

Application Procedure:

· Applications and supporting forms can be found electronically on the TNA’s 18th District’s web site. All applications and supporting material must be electronically submitted. Handwritten or printed applications are not acceptable.

· It is the responsibility of the applicant to submit a completed application along with all supporting materials by the designated deadline.

· Required documents include:

o Cover Sheet

o Application Form: completed, signed, and dated,

o Grant Program Agreement: signed and dated,

o Biographical Sketch: of each member identified on the grant. (May substitute personal CVs and Resumes),

o Proposal Form: completed,

§ Instrument/questions if utilized in the study/project

§ IRB Approval, if existing study/project

o Budget Form: completed, and

o Letter of support.

· Applicants will receive a notice via e-mail from the TNA’s 18th District’s Board & Practice, Work Place Issues, and Professional Services Committee acknowledging receipt of the application.

· All applications and their accompanying materials become the property of the TNA’s 18th District and will not be returned.

Review Process:

· All completed applications and supporting material will be submitted for review, to the TNA’s 18th District’s Board & Practice, Work Place Issues, and Professional Services Committee.

· The Research Chair of Iota Mu will assist in determining the recipient of the TNA Scholars Grant.

· Allocation of funds for 2010 is based on research/projects that:

o Has the highest impact in advancing evidence based practices in healthcare settings located within TNA’s 18th District and

o Teams who most represent diverse employers and work environments.

· In the event, clarification or suggested revisions by the committee is warranted, applicants will be notified in writing. Any resubmission must be submitted by the corresponding deadline to be considered.

· Applicants will be notified of the committee's decision by the notification deadline.

IRB, Reports, and Publications Requirements:

IRB Approval

· IRB approval must be on file with the TNA’s 18th District’s Board & Practice, Work Place Issues, and Professional Services Committee prior to the awarding of funds.

· If IRB does not exist at the institution, the TNA’s 18th District’s Board & Practice, Work Place Issues, and Professional Services Committee will assist the team in obtaining IRB approval.

o If the primary investigator/project manager leaves the district or conditions of the original intent of the study/project changes, the TNA’s 18th District’s Board & Practice, Work Place Issues, and Professional Services Committee must be notified in writing.

o If the study/project is not completed, funds must be returned to the TNA’s 18th District unless there is a clear plan to continue. This plan must be submitted in writing to TNA’s 18th District’s Board & Practice, Work Place Issues, and Professional Services Committee.

Reports

· Grant recipients must submit progress reports until the study has been completed. If reports are not received by the designated deadline, funds must be returned.

· A final report must be submitted no later than 24 months after notification that the grant is awarded. If reports are not received, funds must be returned.

Publication

· Mention of the funding source for both grant is required in all publications and presentations.

o Emerging TNA Leaders Grant: “Supported by TNA’s 18th District”

o TNA Scholars Grant: “Supported by TNA’s 18th District and STTI- Iota Mu Chapter”

· A copy of any publications based on this work must be submitted to TNA’s 18th District’s Board & Practice, Work Place Issues, and Professional Services Committee.

Please submit the required documents below to:

Cindy Acton, RN, DNP, NEA-BC, TNA’s 18th District’s Board & Practice, Work Place Issues, and Professional Services Committee, Chair

E-mail Address: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

______ Cover Sheet

Indicate which Grant applying for:

______ Emerging TNA Leaders Grant or

______ TNA Scholars Grant

______ Application Form: completed, signed, and dated,

______ Grant Program Agreement: signed and dated,

______ Biographical Sketch: of each member identified on the grant. (May substitute personal CVs and Resumes),

______ Proposal Form: completed,

______ Instrument/questionnaires if utilized in the study/project

______ IRB Approval, if existing study/project

______ Budget Form: completed, and

______ Letter of support

Title of Project:

Primary Investigator/ Project Manager Contact Information

Name:

Address: City, St, Zip:

Phone: (H) (W) E-mail address:

Employer Institution:

Address: City, St, Zip:

Primary Investigator’s/ Project Manger Eligibility

Texas Registered Nurse: ___ YES ___ NO License Number:

TNA’s 18th District Member: ___ YES ___ NO TNA Membership Number:

STTI-Iota Mu Chapter Member: ___ YES ___ NO

Currently or previously served on the TNA’s 18th District Board of Directors or Committees: ___ YES ___ NO

If yes, dates of term:

Currently or previously served on the STTI-Iota Mu Chapter Board of Directors or Committees: ___ YES ___ NO

If yes, dates of term:

Highest Degree:

Team Member Requirements

Names

Roles

1) Co-investigator/project manager; 2) Team member; or 3) consultant

TNA Member

Yes/No

Iota Mu Member

Yes/No

Highest Degree

Years of Research/Project Experience

Research/Project Requirements

The research/project location is in which TNA’s 18th District’s county (ies): _______________________

(Cochran, Crosby, Dickens, Floyd, Garza, Hale, King, Knox, Lamb, Lubbock, Lynn, Lockney, Terry, and/or Yoakum).

Proposal Previously Approved by Institutional Review Board? ___ YES ___ No

If yes, submit proof of IRB approval.

Payment Directives

To whom should the grant check be made payable (complete one)

Name of Institution: Employer Identification Number:

Or

Name of Self: Social Security Number:

Primary Investigator/Project Manager Signature Date

If my proposal is approved for funding, I agree to:

· Assume responsibility for the scientific conduct of the study/project.

· Submit a copy of IRB approval to the TNA’s 18th District’s Board & Practice, Work Place Issues, and Professional Services Committee prior to receiving funds.

· Use the grant funds for the purposes described in the proposal and budget.

· Submit reports as requested by TNA’s 18th District’s Board & Practice, Work Place Issues, and Professional Services Committee.

o Report any deviations in the study/project to the TNA’s 18th District’s Board & Practice, Work Place Issues, and Professional Services Committee.

o Submit one copy of the final report no later than 24 months after notification that the grant is awarded.

· Disseminate the research/project findings (e.g., publication or presentation).

· Acknowledge support of funding in all presentations/publications:

o Emerging TNA Leaders Grant: “Supported by TNA’s 18th District”

o TNA Scholars Grant: “Supported by TNA’s 18th District and STTI- Iota Mu Chapter”

Primary Investigator/Project Manager Signature Date

(A biographical sketch is required of every member on the research/project team. Members MAY submit curriculum vitae or resume in place of the biographical sketch).

Name:

Education:

Dates Institution Degree/Major

Professional Work Experience:

Dates Position Employer

National/Board Certifications:

Date Received-Expires Title of Certification Organization Deeming Certification

Honors/Professional Accolades:

Date Received Title of Honor Organization Deeming Honor

Scholarly Activities: (Include RELATED publications, presentations, and research/projects).

Publications

Presentations

Research/Projects (If recipient of any research/project funds, list amount and source).

Please provide a three (3) page proposal that addresses: 1. Significance to TNA; 2. Purpose/ Aims of the research or project; and 3. Methods (design, subjects, setting, procedures, data analysis or evaluation, time frame of project). At the discretion of the committee, proposals that exceed the double spaced, 3 pages limit may be disqualified. Attach any instrument/questionnaires used in the activity. These will not be counted in the page limit.

Budget information must clearly identify: 1. Itemization of all expenses associated with the research/project; 2. Expenses that the applicant is requesting to be funded by TNA’s 18th District Grant Program; and 3. Justification of all items. Applicants may use other spreadsheets that are more favorable. If using, supplied table, add columns and rows as needed.

1. Funds are not available for:

o completed research/projects ,

o salaries,

o indirect costs,

o standard office equipment i.e. telephones, computers, word processors, typewriters, fax machines , and

o duplicate funding. Supplemental funding from other organizations is permissible, as long as funds are not used to pay for the same item twice.

Request TNA Grant Program Funding

Yes/No

Expense/Cost

Items

Justification

$

$

$

$

$

$

$ _________________ Total TNA’s 18th District Requested Funds

$ _________________Supplemental Funding

$ _________________ Total Expense of research/project

All reports are electronically submitted to:

Cindy Acton, RN, DNP, NEA-BC, TNA’s 18th District’s Board & Practice, Work Place Issues, and Professional Services Committee, Chair

E-mail Address: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

(Indicate appropriate report)

___ PROGRESS REPORT

___ FINAL REPORT [Due 24 months after notification that the grant is awarded]

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DATE OF REPORT:

STUDYPROJECT TITLE:

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER:

TEAM MEMBER(S):

DATE IRB APPROVED:

DATE STUDY/PROJECT INITIATED:

STATUS OF STUDY/PROJECT: (A, B or C must be indicated)

A._____ 1. Active: In progress

2. Brief Description of Activity –to -date:

3. Estimated completion date:

4. Deviation from Research/Project Proposal _____ YES _____ NO

If YES, explanation:

B. _____ Study/Project Discontinued Date:

Explanation:

C. _____ Study/Project Completed Date:

Include a summary of research/project: Activity, Findings, Conclusion and Recommendations specific to TNA. Targeted or completed dissemination activity i.e. publications and presentations (podium/poster)

STATUS OF BUDGET:

1. AMOUNT AWARDED:

2. AMOUNT SPENT:

3. CURRENT BALANCE:

Primary Investigator/Project Manager Signature Date