Committee Meetings and Minutes

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Nursing Advisory Committee

Meeting Minutes

Current Status of Minutes: Final
Date	February 28, 2014
Time	8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Location	Eastview Campus

Members Present
No member attendance has been recorded.
Guests Present
No guest attendance has been recorded.

Item # 1:	Approve Agenda
Presenter	Yvonne Vandyke, RN, MSN
Discussion	Yvonne VanDyke motioned for approval of the agenda, seconded by Sally Foster.

Item # 2:	Approval of Minutes
Presenter	Yvonne Vandyke, RN, MSN
Discussion	Yvonne VanDyke motioned for approval of the minutes as presented, seconded by Pat Recek.

Item # 3:	Clinical Facilities Updates
Presenter	All Members
Discussion	Acute Care: Seton: Yvonne VanDyke reported that Seton is very busy. They have a large number of flu cases in addition to a large census of very sick people. A lot of construction is happening at Seton Main, with remodeling happening in the Critical Care areas. Plans are underway for construction of the new teaching hospital. There were 100 new graduates admitted to the RN residency program in the Spring, many are ACC graduates. Some of the more stressful items taking place within the Seton Family are that the Daughters of Charity will be leaving the Seton organization; this will leave the organization with very big shoes to fill. In addition, the deployment of the new electronic health records system has been very stressful and time consuming. Seton is starting an outpatient psych unit at Brackenridge which will be a fairly new experience for their staff. Sally Foster reported that Dell has new units holding 70 new beds. Ms. Foster added, that those areas do not have a full census yet and are not ready for students. She will keep schools posted of their availability. St. David's: Gail Acuna reported that the census within the St. David's organization has also been very high. Some very exciting news is that they have 84 new residents who started in the Spring. St. David's reported that they are getting more and more calls from proprietary schools to place students. At this time they will not be taking any additional students other than those already promised to existing schools. In addition, St. David's is having considerable growth in the Oncology and women's service areas. Ms. Acuna reported that St. David's started using the electronic medical records system last year, but now their doctors will also be required to begin using the electronic medical records for patient data. Gail Roberts interjected that with the increase in Oncology, the South Austin Hospital had its first bone marrow transplant recently which was very successful. Central Texas Medical Center: No representation. Scott and White Healthcare: No representation. Long Term Care: Buckner: Ms. Connelly reported that EMR is currently the biggest challenge within their organization. In addition, her organization is focusing on Nurse Leadership for the training of their nursing staff. Westminster Manor: J. Ruiz reported that during the last meeting certification for staff was discussed. They ran into some obstacles due to separation by RN and LVN. At this time their organization was unable to justify the cost. Westminster also implemented EMR approximately a year ago, hopefully this year they will develop a doctor's portal. Currently, they are 100% full with a waiting list. In the Memory Care areas they are working to develop their ______________________. Health South: Current census is approximately 40. Currently, Health South has several ACC graduates working within their organization. They have currently and are still exhibiting outstanding work for HealthSouth. HealthSouth has a new CEO who is making wonderful changes to their facility. Austin State Hospital: No representation. Austin State Supported Living Center: Der Jane Harris reported that currently they have no vacancies. Some of their patients have been with them for over 50 years. Their patients are usually never discharged, they live with at the facility. Many of them are very sick and require a great deal of nursing care and intervention. Shoal Creek: No representation. Community: Lone Star Circle of Care: No representation Travis County Jail: M. Gieger reported that they currently have ACC and Concordia students working within the jail. Many of them work on discharge orders and hospice care. In addition, they have a clinical pharmacy school and social work to help with their clients, who are probably the most under treated population. Travis County jail has been working with EMR for several years. Travic County keeps adding additional layers to accommodate the needs of their agency. UT Austin-Last week they flipped the switch to accept the college freshman class. The college had over 42,000 applications and they will accept 7500 in the Fall 2014 freshman class. A change at UT, is that students are being selected for the major they want. Student's who select Nursing as their major, will start a four year curriculum for Nursing. Of course, they received more applicants then can be placed within the nursing program. These students will be offered another major and then be allowed to transfer to the Nursing curriculum. Dr. Carpenter reported that she was at a recruitment event at RR-ACC Campus, she said that students who are currently at ACC waiting in the pool can work on additional courses towards their BSN. This will help those students prepare for their BSN education once they have completed the ACC requirements. Dr. Carpenter added that UT is receiving more and more ACC-ADN graduates. They have had 99% of their RN-BSN student's graduate.

Item # 4:	College Updates
Presenter	Pat Recek, RN, MSN
Discussion	P. Recek reported that ACC is always busy. Currently, they are working to open the Highland Learning Center; a large part of that facility will be used for tutoring of Math and English with over 600 computer stations. This facility will be built out in stages. On another note, ACC Health Sciences has a new program opening this Fall, the Vet Tech program which will be housed at the Elgin campus. Health Sciences will also be starting a CT certification through our Radiology program in the Fall.

Item # 5:	Associate Degree Nursing Update
Presenter	Nancy Walters
Discussion	Program Data Enrollment: Level 1 Level II Level III Level IV Mobility Total 145 138 110 97 28 514 Fall 2013-550 Graduates Spring 2014 Fall 2013 Summer Spring 2013 97 93 31 100 RN NLCEX Pass Rates: Year # Tested # Passed % 2013 261 237 90.8 2013 275 261 97.09 Curriculum- * Exploring the impact of the mandate to decrease Associate Degree Programs to 60 credits. * Simulation 5-8% in each clinical course * Incorporating Electronic Health Records into the lab Faculty Updates- * 2 Faculty completed DNP degrees in the Summer 2013 * Currently enrolled in PHD or DNP programs * Dr. Kathryn Lauchner-retired (Director of Concordia) * Christen "Chris" Puglia-resigned * Anticipate two (2) retirements prior to Fall 2014 * Currently have positions posted. Other: * APIN Grant: http://www.texasapin.org/APIN/Welcome_files/Rn-BSN%Briefing%20Paper%20Final%20SP%2014%20%281%29.pdf * Exploring developing an RN to BSN program pending the recommendation from the Coordinating Board to the Legislature * http://www.dshs.state.ts.us/chs/cnws/EducReports.shtm#Professional – Nursing Center for Workforce Studies * Concept Based Curriculum

Item # 6:	Health Professions Institute/Continuing Education
Presenter	Barbara Handley
Discussion	1. Reentry Nursing Update The Nurse Reentry Program is designed to meet the requirements of the Texas Board of Nursing for nurses who have been out of practice for 4 or more years or have inactive licenses and are seeking to have the license renewed. The ACC program consists of three courses: 1. A 128 hour on-line didactic course 2. A 16 hour skills lab course 3. An 80 hour clinical course individually arranged with preceptors in various healthcare facilities with which ACC has contractual agreements. During 2013 the 128 hour online course was completed by 112 students. Eighty-three of these students were professional nurses, twenty-nine were vocational nurses. Thirty–nine students were registered through the Virtual College of Texas, the rest were registered with ACC. The skills labs were utilized by 48 students. Twenty students completed the clinical course this year. More information about this program is available at the nurse refresher website: http://nurserefresher.austincc.edu The target date for revision of the on-line course has been somewhat delayed but progress is being made. Funding is now available and a revised curriculum is expected to be in place by the beginning of the Fall 2014 Semester. The applications for clinical courses have been revised and new documentation processes are running smoothly. Thanks to Lisa Enloe for her input and continued support. 2. Update on Continuing Nursing Education Offerings during 2013 The continuing nursing education offerings meet the requirements of the American Nurses Credentialing Center and are approved by the Texas Nurses Association. They are acceptable as continuing nursing education for professional nurses by the boards of nursing in all states of the union. They are accepted as the requirements for vocational nurses by the Texas Board of Nursing. Co-Provider Activities: 1. January 19 Eating Disorders in Schools Texas School Nurse Organization Region 13 2.0 Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) hours 13 participants, 11 RNs 2. April 19 – 21 Finding My Way: Discovering Abilities DARS-Division of Blind Services 12.5 CNE hours 19 participants, 15 RNs 3. August 7 Emergency Preparedness in Schools and Community Williamson County Nurses Conference 6.5 CNE hours 121 participants, 96RNs 4. October 15-18 Educating Vocational Nurses for Today and Building for Tomorrow Texas Association Vocational Nursing Educators (TAVNE) 15.5 CNE hours 277 participants, 265 RNs 5. October 1-3 Finding My Way: Changing Behaviors DARS –Division of Blind Services 13.5 CNE hours 27 participants, 20 RNs Through these offerings 407 professional nurses took advantage of a total of 50 hours of continuing nursing education during 2013. 3. In House Offerings: Independent Studies: The Independent studies are currently presented as an option of streaming video or a packet containing a CD of the program and copies of pre-tests, post-tests, disclosure statements, and evaluations as well as printed sheets of the PowerPoint Presentations. Fourteen individual offerings began this year. Seven offerings were retired and 2 new offerings were added. The current offerings are 9. The independent studies were completed on line for credit a total of 52 times. Most of the completions were without compensation by students in the Nurse Refresher on line courses where the CNE hours are offered as part of the Medication Unit without charge. One faculty member used her credit to take two of the courses. One nurse unassociated with ACC paid for two courses. And two or three re-entry students paid for courses in addition to the ones included in their course. The offerings that deal with medications are also used to support the nurse aid medication courses. There were no options for the CD Package. Classes: The only active class offered for continuing nursing education hours (CNEs) is the 16 hour "Telemetry and Monitoring" (NUPC 1077) course taught by Pam Prevost. It was offered 7 times in 2013 with a total of 62 registrants. In addition, the worst news from our area is that Pam Stone, Placement Coordinator has resigned, the replacement process has begun, however, until a replacement is hired, Ms. Hanley will be taking responsibility for placements.

Item # 7:	Vocational Nursing Program
Presenter	Sandra McCrary-Marshall
Discussion	Current Enrollment: COHORT Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Total By Campus EVC 41 28 0 24 93 FBG 7 0 0 0 7 Total 48 28 0 24 100 Graduates: Spring 2012=45 Fall 2012=30 Spring 2013=26 Fall 2013-23 EVC & 10 FBG Spring 2014-24 EVC (Projected to graduate) PN NLCEX Pass Rates: Year End Report 2012 (January 2012-December 2012) = 90.32% Year End Report 2013 (January 2013-December 2013) = 94.55% Curriculum: * Due to the decreased availability of acute care clinical sites, the program continues to implement simulation within the curriculum. Areas of content include Medical-Surgical nursing, Pediatrics and Obstetrics. Feedback from students reflects knowledge of a positive learning experience. Approximate Hours of Simulation within the program Level Hours of Simulation % of Simulation I 8 12% II 16 7% III 16 7% IV 24 10% Total 64 36% * Feedback on the student evaluations of the clinical sites continues to be positive. * The program continues to expand into non acute care sites: Clinics, doctor's offices, schools, correctional facilities, and rehabilitation units, etc. * The program continues to explore articulation agreements with higher level institutions for students who wish to advance their nursing careers. The VNG program is in the process of a curriculum revision - (Target implementation – Fall 2015) Main objectives are to:  shorten program length  revise course offerings to align with national standards while still allowing attainment of SLOs and program outcomes,  Be in compliance with both the BON and the ACEN. (Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc.) Currently, the VNG program contains: * 53 SCHs Total-1584 contact hours * Theory: 656 * Clinical: 928 (96 of that skills lab and 64 simulation) * Length: 6 semesters including the prerequisites A comparison of other VNG programs in the State: * SCHs: 44-48 * Length- 12-13 months http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/chs/cnws/EducReports.shtm#Vocational ACEN: Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. * Avg. SCH~ 40-43 * Program length – 3 semesters =, <1100 contact hours See attached current degree plan. Goal is to limit the SCH to less than 50 *and the length to four semesters, while still keeping with the extended hours. Strong discussion has evolved related to possibly offering an evening/weekend hybrid option. A&P is a prerequisite to Pharmacology, resulting in a minimum of two semesters to complete just the prerequisites. The nursing courses are four semesters, it is "extended" to give students typically 1-2 days not in class or clinical; this was based on previous outcomes with full time curriculum and feedback from students and graduates. Proposed 3 Semester and 4 Semester Degree Plan Changes implemented in the revisions included: Add Human Anatomy and pharmacology in the first two semesters with nursing courses; could be taken ahead of time and using this as part of a "ranking" formula * Adding a pre-admission test (ATI or HESI) as part of "ranking" * Removing medical terminology and VNSG 1115 as part of the degree plan and having that content integrated into the course work. Deliberation of 3 semesters vs 4 semesters. 3-semesters- 1. Faculty main concern - student retention. (Program will be very rigorous) - 2. Shorter program does allow for students to have the ability to rapidly progress to ADN or BSN program. 3. Students are out into the workforce earlier. 4-semesters- 1. Being in compliance with ACEN national standards. 2. TX BON does not state length of nursing program. 3. Student feedback from current students supports 4-semesters As employers, we value input into the development of this curriculum. Also, any innovative ideas will be welcome. Ms. Marshall will send out an email via Sheila to the committee requesting feedback.

Item # 8:	New Business
Presenter	Yvonne VanDyke
Discussion	No new business

Item # 9:	Announcements
Presenter	All Members
Discussion	1. Nan Walters reported that we are now required by the Board of Nursing to use their criminal background check system which will require us to change the application dates etc... Just an FYI, within our program, every application period stands on its own. 2. Gail Acuna asked if we could send back what the Board of Nursing CBC covers and they will take it back to corporate for review. In addition, Pat Recek added that all state facilities we have clinical rotation in require another type of background check, in addition to requiring all students to have Health Insurance. 3. Gail Acuna told the committee about TNA and reported that they are taking applications for the FAB 5 which looks for the Top 5 nurses in our community. The applications are reviewed by a non-partial committee. In addition, TNA offers several scholarships for Nurses who are continuing their education to obtain a BSN, MSN, or PhD. Ms. Acuna will send out applications for both the Fab 5 and the scholarship to the committee members for distribution to their staff. 4. L. Carpenter added information regarding the Institute of Medicine and their new state initiative.

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