VOLUME 2 { NO 3} EDITION 6
{ Of f i c i a l Publication of the NORTH CAROLINA Board of Nursing} . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SUMMER
06
CARDLESS LICENS& URE &
LISTING SYSTEM
PL ANNED FOR JAN. 2007
SLATE OF
CANDIDATESFOR
2 0 0 6
I t m a k e s a
d i f f e r e n c e ! Vote
SUMMER 2006 BULLETIN
NC BOARD OF NURSING
Nursing Bulletin is the official
publication of the North
Carolina Board of Nursing.
Office Location
3724 National Drive, Ste 201
Raleigh, NC 27612
Mailing Address
P. O. Box 2129
Raleigh, NC 27602
Telephone
( 919) 782- 3211
Fax
( 919) 781- 9461
Automated Verification
( 919) 881- 2272
Website
www. ncbon. com
Office Hours
8 a. m. to 5 p. m.,
Monday through Friday
Board Chair
Beverly Foster, PhD, RN
Executive Director
Polly Johnson, RN, MSN, FAAN
Editor
David Kalbacker
Artists
Paulette Young
Photography
DayMeetsNight Photography
Brian Strickland
Mission Statement
The North Carolina Board of
Nursing is committed to protecting
the health and well- being of the
public through regulating the deliv-ery
of safe, effective nursing care.
Advertisements contained here-in
are not necessarily endorsed by
the North Carolina Board of
Nursing. The publisher reserves the
right to accept or reject advertise-ments
for the Nursing Bulletin.
All art ( photos, paintings, draw-ings,
etc.) contained in this publi-cation
is used under contractual
agreement.
123,000 copies of this document
were printed and mailed for a cost
of $. 12 per copy
The North Carolina Board of
Nursing is an equal opportunity
employer. CREATED BY:
Publishing Concepts, Inc.
14109 Taylor Loop Road
Little Rock, AR 72223
Virginia Robertson, President
vrobertson@ pcipublishing. com
FOR ADVERTISING
INFORMATION:
Jane Coker
jcoker@ pcipublishing. com
501.221.9986 • 800.561.4686
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NC
DEPARTMENTS: 6 l e t t e r s t o t h e e d i t o r 7 f r o m t h e c h a i r 8 f r o m t h e
e x e c u t i v e d i r e c t o r 25 S u m m a r y o f A c t i o n s 28 t h e B r e a k R o o m 29 C l a s s i f i e d s
30 2 0 0 6 W o r k s h o p R e g i s t r a t i o n F o r m
VOLUME 2 { NO 3 } EDITION 6
Table of
AFQ ELECTION INCENTIVES FOR 2006
Workshop on Addressing
Chemical Abuse/
Dependency Among
Nurses
16
12
George named Director of
Education/ Practice
Department
13
15 Frequently Asked Questions
C a r d l e s s L i c e n s u r e & L i s t i n g S y s t e m P l a n n e d
f o r J a n . 2 0 0 7
19
21 I n t e r e s t e d i n C a m p N u r s i n g ?
17 SLATE OF CANDIDATES FOR 2006
26 Numbers Support Rem e d i a t i o n
I t m a k e s a
d i f f e r e n c e ! Vote
Stanley Receives Employee
Excellence Award
6 CONTENTS
s
Publications well received
Your publications are well received in our community.
ANNA NICHOLS
Branch Librarian
Charles H. Stone Memorial Library
Pilot Mountain, NC
More modern and appealing Bulletin
Thank you for the new, more modern and appealing Nursing
Bulletin. I have received the Nursing Bulletin for nearly eleven
years. The recent changes to a more magazine- style format have been very welcome. I enjoy browsing through the informa-tion
that is important to me as a registered nurse here in North Carolina, but I have to admit that I enjoy the cartoons and the
advertisements too.
MINDY ROBINSON, RN
Send letters to: Editor, Nursing
Bulletin, North Carolina Board of Nursing,
P. O. Box 2129, Raleigh, NC 27602- 2129 or
Email, david@ ncbon. com
e t t e r s
t o t h e
EDITO R L
{ Of f i c i a l Publication of the NORTH CAROLINA Board of Nursing } . . . . . . . . . 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
E D I T O R ‘ sNOTE
Newspapers throughout the state recently reported on the poor voter
turnout for the May primary elections. Now North Carolina nurses are
again asked to elect members to the Board of Nursing. Make the effort to
vote. Information about each candidate is included in this issue, and a
Candidate Forum is available beginning June 30, 2006. Reverse the trend.
Don’t let others speak for you. Online voting takes only minutes. Also,
remember the incentive spa samplers: Someone has to win them— ask
Joyce Norton, RN, winner of one of last year’s samplers! You can win only
if you VOTE!
I t m a k e s a d i f f e r e n c e ! Vote
The 2006 recipient of the Board’s Employee Excellence Award is
Jean Stanley, administrative assistant in the Education/ Practice Department. Stanley
has more than 20 years of experience with the Board. She routinely deals with the
state’s Rules Review Commission and works with advanced practice nurses and mid-wives
throughout the state. Her dedication to customer service and her overall knowl-edge
of the Board contribute significantly to helping the Board achieve its mission.
The award recognizes the outstanding achievements of Board staff. Recipients are
nominated by staff members.
Congratulations, Jean Stanley!
StanleyRECEIVES
EMPLOYEE EXCELLENCE AWARD
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NC
f r o m t h e C h a i r
Greetings from the Chair
Let me take this opportunity to encourage you to vote in the election of new
Board Membership. We have three positions open this year: RN Staff Nurse, RN
Nurse Educator at the Associate Degree or Diploma level, and LPN. The candi-date’s
forum web cast will be available to you on the Board website at
www. ncbon. com beginning June 30, 2006. In this web cast, you will be able to
learn more about the candidate; their professional preparation and experiences,
their beliefs about nursing practice, and their understanding of the contributions
they might make to the functioning of your Board. I encourage you to study the
candidates, and then…. VOTE!!! The electronic voting system will be open July 1
through August 15, 2006. It is quick and easy!
Assuring continued competence of practicing nurses has been an important
issue for regulatory boards in recent years, and North Carolina is no exception. In
2001 the Board charged a workgroup with the development of our response; and in
2003 and 2004 a pilot of both the process and tools occurred. In July 2005, the
General Assembly enacted legislation to incorporate continued competence into
the NC licensure/ renewal process, and these rules will be implemented beginning
in July 2006. If you haven’t attended a workshop on continued competence in
NC, you might want to register for sessions in Wilmington ( July 27), Asheville
( September 7) or Greenville ( October 18). If none of these dates fit your calendar,
you can download the continuing competence web cast for self- study. Go to
http:// www. ncbon. com/ prac- contcompwcast. asp
Best wishes to you all for an enjoyable summer of work and leisure, good weath-er
and great times with friends and family.
Beverly Foster, PhD, RN
8 { Of f i c i a l Publication of the NORTH CAROLINA Board of Nursing } . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
f r o m t h e
E x e c u t i v e
D i r e c t o r
All of us in health care professions as well as the general
public are concerned about patient safety in our complex
health care delivery environment. Since the 1999 Institute of
Medicine’s report – To Err is Human, there have been several state and nation-al
initiatives to address the need for quality improvement in how care is deliv-ered.
These initiatives, such as the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s
Saving 100,000 Lives Campaign have focused primarily on improving our sys-tems
of care. Since our first nursing laws in 1903, our Board of Nursing has been committed to enhancing the delivery of
safe patient care through standard setting for individual licensees, for educational programs preparing individuals for licensure
and for remediation or removal of unsafe practitioners.
In January 2006, our Board of Nursing adopted its next 4- year Strategic Plan with the primary strategic initiatives to: ( 1)
establish the Board of Nursing as a leader in patient safety; ( 2) maintain excellence in nursing regulation; ( 3) support the
mobility of the nurse workforce while maintaining public protection; and ( 4) increase the congruence of education, practice
and regulation for all levels of nursing care providers. Some of the activities that will support the achievement of these ini-tiatives
include partnering with other health- related organizations to promote a learning and quality improvement culture,
collecting and disseminating data to support patient safety decisions, implementing continued competence standards for all
licensees, evaluating the current and evolving scopes of practice of all levels of licensees in relation to their educational
preparation and licensure requirements, and developing a transition to practice model for new graduates entering the nursing
workforce. Threaded throughout the Board’s focus on these strategic initiatives is our commitment to making the necessary
regulatory changes that will support the delivery of safe, effective nursing care consistent with our Mission and Vision.
As I review the commitment our Board has made to patient safety, I am reminded of the critical role our Board has in pro-tecting
the public. Both our Board members and staff are fully committed to doing the “ right thing” for the public. I ask
that each of you who are licensed nurses do the “ right thing” by participating in the election of Board members to assure that
we maintain excellence in nursing regulation in North Carolina. See you at the Poles!
Polly Johnson, RN, MSN, FAAN
12 { Of f i c i a l Publication of the NORTH CAROLINA Board of Nursing } . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wo r k s h o p o n
ADDRESSING Chemical Abuse/ Dependency A M O N G N U R S E S
Date and Place
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Women’s Hospital Education
Center, Classrooms 1 & 2,
Greensboro, N. C.
The half- day program explores the issue of chemical abuse and dependency of nurses.
The program will identify signs of chemical abuse from varied prospective areas along with
a focus on the who, when and how of addiction. Issues involving treatment and re- entry
into practice along with the best practices for healthcare facilities to secure controlled sub-stances
will be discussed. A nurse with personal experience in the Alternative Program for
Chemical Dependency sponsored by the N. C. Board of Nursing will share her story.
Objectives
1. Describe the cycle of addiction
2. Identify signs of possible chemical abuse/ dependency in nurses
3. Describe professional reporting responsibilities and potential outcomes
4. Recognize issues related to re- entry into practice
5. Identify best practices related to reducing the potential for diversion
Agenda
8: 00 – 8: 30am Registration ($ 50.00)
8: 30 – 8: 45am Welcome/ Opening Remarks ( Kay McMullan RN, Director of Investigation/ Monitoring)
8: 45 – 9: 15am The Who, When and How of Addiction ( Dr. Book, Addictionologist)
9: 15 – 9: 45am Identifying Signs of Possible Chemical Abuse ( Debbie Phillips RN, Nurse Manager; Mike Lamonds,
Pharmacist; Beverly Essick RN, Risk Management,)
9: 45 – 10: 15am Professional Reporting and Actions ( Judy Knox RN, Manager of Drug Monitoring Programs;
Jerry Ratley, SBI)
10: 15 – 10: 30am Break
10: 30 – 11: 10am Treatment and Re- entry Into Practice ( Dr. Book, Addictionologist; Debbie Phillips RN, Nurse
Manager; Susan Jackson RN, Re- entry/ Reinstatement Committee)
11: 10 – 11: 30am Best Practices for Securing and Accounting for Controlled Substances ( Eleanor Moon RN, Consultant)
11: 30 – 11: 50am A Nurse’s Personal Experience ( recovering nurse who completed the Alternative Program)
11: 50 – 12: 10am Monitoring Outcomes ( Judy Knox RN, Manager of Drug Monitoring Programs)
12: 10 – 12: 30pm Panel Questions & Answers; Evaluation
To register contact the Greensboro AHEC at 336- 832- 8025 or register on line at www. gahec. org/ courses
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NC
Julia L. George, RN, MSN has been
named Director of the Education
/ Practice Department at the N. C. Board
of Nursing replacing Linda Thompson
RN, MSN who retired in April.
George, who has been employed by
the Board for ten years, was most recent-ly
the Manager of ( PREP), Practitioner
Remediation and Enhancement
Partnership. Prior to working with the
PREP program, George was a practice
consultant. She started her career at the
Board as an investigator. In 2005,
George was the recipient of the Board’s
Employee Excellence Award.
A Registered Nurse for more than 30
years, George is also active in nursing
regulation at the national level. She has
served on several National Council of
State Boards of Nursing committees and
George has been selected as a “ Fellow” in
the NCSBN’s Institute of Regulatory
Excellence for the past 3 years.
Georgenamed
Director of
Education/ Practice
Department
NORTH CAROLINA
CLINICAL LAB. DAY
Mark your calendar, Friday, August 4, 2006 at
Wake Technical Community College 9101
Fayetteville Rd. in Raleigh. The focus of the
2nd annual North Carolina Clinical Laboratory
Day is “ The Diabetes Challenge: Diagnosis,
Education and Management”. The North
Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health
along with the North Carolina Diabetes
Prevention and Control Branch of DHHS will
co- host the conference. Participants will find
the forum an opportunity to learn about the
disease that is the sixth- leading cause of death
in the United States.
The conference is designed for healthcare
professionals, including physicians, nurses,
educators and clinical laboratory scientists.
The conference fee is $ 30. For more informa-tion,
call the Laboratory Improvement office at
919/ 733- 7186, or visit http:// slph. state. nc. us.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NC
I renewed my license in July 2006. I
work in critical care, and my learn-ing
goal for my 2006– 2008 licensure peri-od
is to obtain national certification in
critical care nursing. I’ve chosen to accom-plish
this through successful completion of
the required examination. What documen-tation
will I need to retain and provide as
evidence if I’m selected for audit at my
next renewal in July 2008?
If audited in July 2008, you will be
expected to provide a copy of your
active certificate, which should include your
name ( the licensee), the name of the certify-ing
body, the date of certification, and the
date of certification expiration. For your cer-tification
to be acceptable as a learning goal
that you have accomplished, you must have
initially attained it during the licensure peri-od,
or it must have been in effect during the
entire licensure period, or you must have
been recertified during the licensure period.
I will renew my license in May
2007. I’m currently a stay- at- home
mother, but I previously worked in pedi-atrics
and plan to return to that specialty
when my children are older. My learning
A
s FQ Frequently Asked
Questions
goal for my 2007– 2009 licensure period
is to maintain and enhance my knowl-edge
of the nursing care of children
while I’m not actively employed. I’ve
chosen to accomplish this through com-pletion
of 30 contact hours of online and
nursing journal continuing education
offerings. What documentation will I
need to retain and provide as evidence if
I’m selected for audit at my next renewal
in May 2009?
If audited in May 2009, you will be
expected to provide copies of the
continuing education certificates ( totaling
30 contact hours) that you obtained on
successful completion of each online or
journal offering. The certificates should
include your name ( the licensee), the title
of the educational activity, the name of
the recognized provider, the number of
contact hours, and the date of the activity.
I’ve seen information about profes-sional
portfolios. Am I required to
purchase or subscribe to a professional
portfolio system to document and submit
my continuing competence to the Board?
No, you are not required to use a
professional portfolio system ( elec-tronic
or paper based) for documentation
and submission of your continuing compe-tence.
Although it is important that you
maintain documentation of continuing
education and professional activities for
ready access if you are audited, you may do
so in any manner of your choosing. Some
licensees may find portfolio systems to be
an attractive, effective record- keeping
option, but such systems are not required
or offered by the Board of Nursing. Q.
A.
Q.
A.
Q.
A.
CONTINUING COMPETENCE
16 { Official Publication of the NORTH CAROLINA Board of Nursing } . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
An overwhelming majority of voters are
pleased with our offering an incentive to those
nurses in North Carolina who take the time to
vote for candidates to the Board of Nursing. This year
we are happy to announce that two spa- sampler pack-ages
for two, have been made available to voters in the
2006 election. Generous donations, in support of nurses in
North Carolina, have been made by; The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa in
Ashville and The Spa at Pinehurst, North Carolina. Mark your calendar and vote
in the 2006 election ( July 1st – August 15th) so you will be eligible to win these
exciting spa sampler packages.
E L E C T I O N I N C E N T I V E S F O R 2 0 0 6
The Grove Park
Inn Resort & Spa
The Spa at Pinehurst SpAaaa a a a a a a a h h
h h!
RN SLATE OF CANDIDATES: RNS VOTE FOR RNS
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NC
SLATE OF CANDIDATESFOR 2006
LPN SLATE OF CANDIDATES: LPNS VOTE FOR LPNS
# 1 NAME: DEBORAH L. JENKINS BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: I am a Durham, NC native,
attended Durham Public Schools, 1980 graduate of Durham Technical Community College, obtained a diploma in Practical Nursing. I have
twenty- five years of nursing experience in Pediatrics, Adult medicine, Dermatology, Rheumatology, Allergy, IV therapy and Pharmacology
which includes calculating and administering medications. I currently work at Durham Pediatrics, a division of Duke University Health
Systems. I am a member of NFLPNA and serve as Director on the Executive Board. I am also a member of NCLPNA and serve as
Director and President of Durham area. What do I have to offer the public of North Carolina if I am elected to the Board of Nursing? I am capable
of making fair and impartial decisions during each Board meeting and hearing. I would ensure that LPNs are given a voice and made aware
of changes in practice, policies, work rules and Board ethics. I would like to serve on the North Carolina Board of Nursing because. . . I understand and support
the Board’s function and feel my presence and input would address that support. I also enjoy participating in the decision making processes which serve to
uphold and maintain the quality and integrity of the nursing profession. How will the experience you have had as a nurse contribute to the Board’s work? I’ve
worked 26 years as an LPN and have 2 years experience as a Board member which would be an asset to the effectiveness as well as knowledge of Board
practice, ethics and policies. If elected, I will continue to provide professionalism, loyalty and service to both the Board and the public.
# 1 NAME: ALEXIS B. WELCH POSITION: ADN/ Diploma Nurse Educator BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Education: AS
Degree Mount Olive College, BSN, Atlantic Christian College, MA. Ed. East Carolina University, Ed. D. North Carolina State University.
Experience: Registered Nurse since 1975; Licensed and practiced in North Carolina; Clinical Experience in MedSurg, Geriatrics, Critical
Care, Psych, Home Health, Nursing Consultant; Educator in ADN, PN, and diploma nursing programs. Perspective: Currently, Dean of
Health Sciences at Lenoir Community College and Director of the ADN and PN programs; Liaison to University Schools of Nursing;
Representative on North Carolina Board of Nursing Committees/ Task Forces as requested; EAHEC nursing advisory committee; Member:
NCADN Director, NCADN Council, NCNA. What do I have to offer the public of North Carolina if I am elected to the Board of Nursing? I have
been licensed 31 years as a RN and continue to work in education and practice. As a current NC Board of Nursing member, I am familiar with the
Nursing Practice Act and the issues challenging nurses in the healthcare delivery systems today. To serve the nurses and public of North Carolina is a call-ing.
To meet the challenges facing health care through public service, I am committed to serving you I would like to serve on the North Carolina Board of
Nursing because. . . If re- elected to the NC Board of Nursing, I will continue to promote standards ensuring safe, quality nursing care to all patients. I am
committed to keeping licensed nurses at the bedside. In my present term on the NC Board of Nursing, I have recognized the value of listening to all
nurses and believe that the Board is the voice for the collective needs of the nurses and the public we serve. How will the experience you have had as a
nurse contribute to the Board’s work? My nursing experience prepares me to serve the citizens of North Carolina and represent nurses in all practice settings.
My desire for unparalleled nursing care is influenced by my roles as a consumer, mother, daughter and friend.
# 2 NAME: PAUL J. RUSK BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: My educational background is BA Sociology UNC- Wilmington 1981;
Cape Fear Technical College Licensed Practical Nurse, 1982. I currently have 24 years experience. I worked 22 1/ 2 years at New Hanover
Regional Medical Center - five years on the Dialysis Unit and the last 17 1/ 2 years on the Cardiac Telemetry Unit. I presently work as the
Director of Assisted Living Azalea Place for Liberty Commons Nursing and Rehab Center. I have held this position for the last 1 1/ 2 years. I
also am a current BCIS Instructor for American Heart for which I have done for 18 years. What do I have to offer the public of North Carolina if I
am elected to the Board of Nursing? I offer a dedication to protecting the public. This is done by ensuring the nurses of North Carolina remain
competent and safe to practice. I have six years of experience serving on the board which provides me with a greater knowledge of opera-tions
of the board. In addition, I offer 24 years of nursing experience. I would like to serve on the North Carolina Board of Nursing because. . . I have a long
background in nursing. I have six years experience on the Board from 1998 to 2003. I feel I have a lot to offer the LPNs of the state because of my
background. I am dedicated to keeping the LPN practice while helping to keep all nurses competent in their practices. How will the experience you have had
as a nurse contribute to the Board’s work? Because of my years in nursing and prior experience on the Board, I have a good understanding of how the board
functions and the needs of nurses and public safety.
# 2 NAME: JANICE S. MCRORIE POSITION: ADN/ Diploma Nurse Educator BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Education: MSN
1987 University of South Carolina; BSN 1979 University of North Carolina; ADN 1974 Central Piedmont Community College. Work
experience: 2004 – present, Full time Faculty, Presbyterian School of Nursing at Queens University of Charlotte; 1988 – 2004, Full time fac-ulty,
Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing; 1992 – 1998, part time Clinical Faculty, UNC- Charlotte; 1978 – 1988, Patient Education
Nurse, Charlotte Pediatric Clinic; 1974 – 1978, Staff Nurse, Charlotte Memorial Hospital. Current employer: Presbyterian School of
Nursing at Queens University. What do I have to offer the public of North Carolina if I am elected to the Board of Nursing? I bring experience in
regard to the working of the Board. My previous tenure as a member of the Board of Nursing and my three years elected as Chair of the
Board gives me an excellent working knowledge of how the Board goes about fulfilling its mandate to protect the public. I can be effective immediately. I
would like to serve on the North Carolina Board of Nursing because. . . II have always felt committed to the nurses of North Carolina and still after 32 years am
proud to say I am a registered nurse. I think the NC Board of Nursing is committed to excellence in regulation and I want to be a part of that process.
How will the experience you have had as a nurse contribute to the Board’s work? I bring experience in practice as well as education. I am
committed to a fair decision making process and being sure that all sides have a chance to voice an opinion before decisions are made.
I have the energy and the dedication to work hard on some of the issues currently before the Board as well as issues that will come up
in the future.
I t m a k e s a d i f f e r e n c e ! Vote
# 4 NAME: SARA A. GRIFFITH BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: I am a Staff Nurse III at WakeMed Health and Hospitals in Raleigh,
North Carolina. I hold a BSN in nursing from East Carolina University. Currently I am seeking a Master of Science in Nursing Education from
East Carolina University. I began at Pitt County Memorial Hospital in July 2000 on a trauma/ general/ vascular surgical unit. In 2002, I moved to
Raleigh and continued nursing on a cardiovascular surgical intermediate unit at WakeMed. I have held the following staff nurse positions: car-diovascular
educator, new graduate preceptor, and RN refresher preceptor. What do I have to offer the public of North Carolina if I am elected to the
Board of Nursing? To the public of North Carolina, I will offer the ability to problem- solve effectively with self- confidence, honesty and integrity.
Utilize my communication, assessment and discipline skills to embody the mission and vision of the Board of Nursing. The ability to address sit-uations
related to the health, safety and welfare of the public with an open mind and understanding patient safety is key. I offer a strong education background
to compliment my knowledge of nursing. I would like to serve on the North Carolina Board of Nursing because. . . Being a member of the North Carolina Board of
Nursing would be a life- long goal to make contributions to the profession of nursing that could impact practice as well as patient care. Nursing practice is
demanding change and requires proactive steps to direct policy initiatives. How will the experience you have had as a nurse contribute to the Board’s work? In the 6
years I have been a registered nurse, I have witnessed the ever changing practice of nursing. This experience has given me the ability to
easily adapt to change. My experience as Patient Safety Resource Nurse, has given me insight into the many challenges nurses face in
providing safe, effective nursing care
18 { Of f i c i a l Publication of the NORTH CAROLINA Board of Nursing } . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
STAFF NURSE
# 1 NAME: DEBRA L. COSTON BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: My name is Debra Coston, a Staff Nurse in the Surgical Trauma ICU
at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, NC. UNC- W became my educational home in 1973, where I completed my
Associate’s Degree in Nursing. I have worked with education in the STICU to include CCRN reviews, hemodynamic classes, Critical Care and
Core Curriculum classes. Accomplishments include: creating acuity systems, shared governance finance counsel member, NC Nursing
Excellence 2001, preceptorship, publishing in a trauma text, established the Network’s Critical Care Conference, mentorship, Network coordi-nator
ACLS and PALS, CCRN certification. What do I have to offer the public of North Carolina if I am elected to the Board of Nursing? I offer listening
and a willingness to see things finished. I want the public to feel safe and understand that I want to investigate what is necessary and help to
make avenues that increase safety to the public. I also speak as a patient advocate and as a caregiver at the bedside. Best practices, new technologies and deal-ing
with physicians on behalf of patients and their families are consistently on the agenda. I would like to serve on the North Carolina Board of Nursing because. . .
After having served a previous term, I now have a greater understanding of how the Board functions. I also am aware of the continuing needs of nurses across
North Carolina. This gives me opportunity to be available to create a progression of nursing in North Carolina. Also, I want to be involved with the future of
nursing and my future as a potential patient with high expectations. How will the experience you have had as a nurse contribute to the Board’s work? After 29 years in a
critical care arena of ever changing technology and critical thinking as well as multitasking, I believe the contribution I make is multifaceted. This experience gives
me the ability to look at a situation, consider all of the functions and dysfunctions of the body and come to a logical and timely decision to either prevent further
damage or create an idea to help correct the situation.
# 2 NAME: CHRISTINE C. DALTON BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: I received an Associates Degree in Nursing from Davidson
Community College in 1998. I initially worked in a nursing home and then moved to the acute care setting at High Point Regional Health
System where I obtained experience in orthopedic, bariatric, neurological and infusion nursing. Presently, I work full- time as an IV nurse. I am
also a member of NCNA and serve as secretary for District 9. I am a member of the NCINS and INS. I worked with the Nursing Strategic
Planning Committee for over a year. I have been honored by being nominated for the 2006 Great 100. What do I have to offer the public of
North Carolina if I am elected to the Board of Nursing? I commit myself to serve the public by being their representative on the Board, by acknowl-edging
their rights and their needs for compassionate nursing care and by recognizing the issues that affect their receiving the care they desire
and deserve. Secondly, I commit my voice to speak for the public and to keep their needs at the forefront of all decisions that are made on their behalf and to
promote change where it is needed. I would like to serve on the North Carolina Board of Nursing because. . . I am committed to being involved at the state level
where I can feel that I have had a small part impacting the nursing profession and patient care. I believe the North Carolina Board of Nursing has been the
pace setter in recognizing healthcare issues and being proactive in supporting not only patients, but also nurses. From making decisions about regulatory con-straints
to developing protocols for licensure, the Board speaks for all nurses. How will the experience you have had as a nurse contribute to the Board’s work? Having
worked in the subacute and acute care settings, I have first- hand experience into the issues that affect patient care and the nursing profession in these practice
settings. I have listened intently to nurses throughout each setting as to what they are looking for within the profession and why they do or do not stay within
the profession. I believe that I can offer a prospective that supports both the patient and the professional nurse.
# 3 NAME: DEBRA Y. RICHARDSON BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: I am a private duty nurse employed with Maxim Healthcare
Services. I have more than 20 years experience in the hospital, home health and primary care settings. I obtained my Diploma degree in
Nursing at Lenoir Memorial School of Nursing in 1982 in Kinston, North Carolina. I have experience in Diabetic Teaching, Infusion Therapy,
Wound Care, Enteral Feeds, Chemo- therapy, Perinatal Nursing, Pediatrics and Adult Asthma Self Teaching. I also have experience establishing
policies and procedures with Policy and Procedure Committee in hospital settings. I am planning to pursue a Master’s in Nursing in the fall.
What do I have to offer the public of North Carolina if I am elected to the Board of Nursing? With more than 20 years experience in the hospital, home
health and primary care settings as well as my experience with Pediatrics, Diabetes, Infusion Therapy, Wound Care, Enteral Feeds,
Chemotherapy, Perinatal Nursing, Pediatric and Adult Asthma Self Teaching, I hope to make a difference in the deliverance of safe, effective nursing care to the
public. I would like to serve on the North Carolina Board of Nursing because. . . With the ever growing shortage of nurses, I feel the need to protect the health and
welfare of the public. I hope that I can make a difference as a member of the North Carolina Board of Nursing by assuring safe and effective, as well as, sound
nursing care and judgment to the public. How will the experience you have had as a nurse contribute to the Board’s work? With my 20 years plus experience in the
hospital, home health and primary care environment, I hope to make a difference in our nursing profession to ensure that the public receives the safest and
most effective nursing care they deserve.
I t m a k e s a d i f f e r e n c e ! Vote
&
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DIRECTIONS
Beginning July 1, you can have a direct impact on nursing
issues in North Carolina by voting in this year’s election of
nurse members of the North Carolina Board of Nursing.
Your certificate number and four- digit PIN combine to become
a unique identifier that allows you to vote in the 2006 elec-tions.
Your PIN is located in the upper- right corner of the mail-ing
label affixed to this issue of Nursing Bulletin. If you cannot
read or locate your PIN, simply provide the information
requested by the electronic election system, and it will issue
your PIN.
You can vote by telephone or via the Internet starting on July 1.
The last day to vote is August 15, 2006. Remember that you can
do this 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
TO VOTE BY TELEPHONE:
Dial the Board’s special toll- free number, 1- 877- 531- 1811.
Listen to the directions, and enter your candidate selection ( via
push- button from a touch- tone phone).
TO VOTE ONLINE:
Log on to the Board’s website at www. ncbon. com, click on the
Election 2006 link, and follow the instructions.
The system for either telephone or Internet voting will confirm
your voter eligibility and tabulate results electronically.
The slate of candidates for 2006 is included
in this mailing of the Bulletin. In it you will
find biographical and practice information
about the candidates, as well as their personal
reasons for wanting to be members of the
Board of Nursing.
Please read and follow directions carefully.
As you review the information provided by
candidates, remember that you don’t have to
know each candidate on the slate personally
to make a selection. Instead, take the time to
review each candidate’s background informa-tion
and his or her stated reasons for wanting
to serve on the Board of Nursing. Then cast
your vote for the candidate who you feel is
most qualified.
We urge each of you to take the time to
vote for the candidate of your choice via tele-phone
or Internet. It is fast, it is easy, and it
makes a difference! Participating in the elec-tion
is a significant way to influence the deci-sions
that affect your practice of nursing in
North Carolina.
If you have any questions regarding the
slate of candidates or the electronic election
system, contact Angela Ellis at the Board
office, ( 919) 782- 3211, ext. 259, or
angela@ ncbon. com.
Voting CARDLESS LICENSURE &
LISTING SYSTEM
PL ANNED FOR JAN. 2007
Beginning in January 2007, the N. C. Board of
Nursing is going cardless. Consistent with the new
Cardless Licensure and Listing System, initial licens-es
issued by examination and endorsement ( to
include both temporary and permanent), as well as,
initial nurse aide II listings issued on and after
January 1, 2007 will be electronic. Newly licensed
RNs and LPNs will continue receiving the original
Certificate of Registration; and nurse aide IIs will
receive a notice of initial listing. License/ Listing
renewals with a January 31, 2007 expiration date will
not receive a card. Instead, the RN, LPN and nurse
aide II will receive a written notice of licensure/ list-ing
with directions on how to verify their licensure
status online or by using the automated telephone
verification system.
In 2003, GS 90- 171.43A – Mandatory Employer
Verification of Licensure Status was added to the
Nursing Practice Act. It requires a health care facility
to verify that each nurse holds a current, valid
license to practice nursing at the time of employ-ment.
The Joint Commission on Accreditation for
Health Organizations ( JCAHO) standards now
require employers of nurses to access primary
source data for license verification. The electronic
licensure files are updated daily and our database
serves as the primary source for licensure informa-tion
about nurses in North Carolina. The Board pro-vides
free access to its nurse and nurse aide licen-sure/
listing database for the purpose of verification
by employers, licensees and the public. By Fall 2006
our licensure verification system will be upgraded to
provide easy access to public licensure and discipli-nary
information for N. C. licensees.
The Cardless Licensure/ Listing System has
several advantages:
• Eliminates Lost, Stolen and Duplicate
Licenses/ Listings;
• Eliminates Imposters using fraudulent plas-tic/
paper licenses/ listings
• Assists employers in satisfying JCAHO stan-dards
requiring the use of primary
source data for license verification;
• Provides quicker access by employers and the
public to disciplinary information.
• Assists employers in complying with GS 90-
171.43A – Mandatory Employer Verification of
Licensure Status;
• Increases the efficiency and effectiveness of
the Board of Nursing in administering its regula-tory
activities.
Look for more information on the Cardless
Licensure/ Listing System in future editions of the
Bulletin and online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What am I going to show my employer?
They always want to see my new license.
R1. Your employer can access your licensure
information directly from the NC Board
Nursing database, which is the primary source
for nurse licensure information. The database
can be accessed via telephone at 919- 881-
2272 or on our website www. ncbon. com.
Q2. How will I know if my license has been
renewed?
R2. You will receive a postcard notice that
your license has been renewed containing
directions on how to verify your licensure sta-tus
online or by telephone.
Q3. I’m doing a travel assignment in another
compact state. How can my new employ-er
verify my multi- state privilege practice?
R3. Your employer can access our database
to verify your multi- state privilege or contact
www. nursys. org
{ Official Publication of the NORTH CAROLINA Board of Nursing } . . . . . . . . . 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Nurses Represent
North Carolina in
NCLEX Item
Development
The following nurses represented North
Carolina in the NCLEX item development
program for the first quarter of 2006.
• Carolyn Ophelia Baker: Alternate,
1/ 18/ 06 RN Item Writing Panel
• Johnnie Martin Guttery: Member,
3/ 1/ 06 RN Item Review Panel
• Nida Dawn Mullins: Member, 1/ 18/ 06
RN Item Writing Panel
• Kathryn Diane Josephson Ryn:
Member, 3/ 26/ 06 RN Item Review Panel
• Sherry D. Smith: 2/ 1/ 06 Candidate, PN
Item Review Panel
• Elizabeth L. Turner: Alternate, 2/ 13/ 06
RN Item Writing Panel
For application and re
The Board of Nursing and Greensboro
AHEC will be offering a conference titled
" Addressing Substance
Abuse/ Dependency Among Nurses" from
8: 30am to 12: 30pm on Thursday
September 28, 2006. Plan to come and
interact with various " experts" related to
this issue. More information located on
page 12 and on the Board’s website
regarding registration.
Hold the
Date!
Sept. 28th
8: 30 am- 12: 30 pm
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Interested in
Camp Nursing?
Each year the Board of Nursing receives an influx of
questions related to being a camp nurse. Limited
resources are available to help nurses understand the role.
This article is an attempt to help them be better prepared.
If you are considering camp nursing, it is a good idea
to look into your options ahead of time. You must be
licensed in the state where the camp is located or have a
privilege to practice in that state via the Interstate
Compact. Whether you are working as a volunteer or in a
paid position, you have the legal responsibility and are
accountable for practicing according to the standards for
nursing practice in the state in which you will be working.
A remote campground may offer you a beautiful,
peaceful setting, but it also requires you to be comfortable
with your emergency skills. You must be prepared to
make judgment calls, often with no second opinion.
Because of the degree of independent and autonomous
functioning of a camp nurse, the level of practice is that of
an RN. An LPN may work in this setting only under the
direct supervision of an RN or another authorized
provider.
As a camp nurse, you will have a broad range of
responsibilities. You need to know the population that
you will be serving ( age and health status). Specialty
camps serve children with a variety of physical, behavioral,
and emotional needs. Therefore you will need a variety of
skills, including good communication, assessment, critical
thinking, and problem solving. In addition, you will need
to have sound clinical knowledge of blood- borne
pathogens, universal precautions, first aid, CPR, airway
management, medications, and environmental hazards.
These skills, along with a good sense of humor, should
ensure that you are prepared to meet the challenges of
being a camp nurse.
One of the primary duties of the camp nurse is to
make sure that campers take their medications and that
children with chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes,
and epilepsy are appropriately monitored. You should
review the camp’s policies, procedures, and protocols for
guidance related to assessment, treatment of minor ill-nesses
and trauma, and documentation. It is advisable that
you identify the standing medication orders for over- the-counter
medications and ensure that these orders include
dosing instructions. You must be prepared to respond to
accidents or injuries, communicable dis-eases,
environmental injuries and illnesses,
discomfort problems, heat- related illnesses,
chronic illnesses such as diabetes and asth-ma,
and emotional afflictions such as home-sickness.
Following are some questions that the
Board is frequently asked about camp
nursing:
• Does the nurse have to maintain
records?
Yes, the nurse always must keep records
of assessments performed, interventions
( medications and treatments), responses to
interventions, contacts made, and follow- up
requirements.
• What is the nurse’s responsibility
regarding the administration of medica-tions
sent with campers in dispensers
or pill- planner boxes instead of the
original labeled medication bottles?
Generally speaking, medications should
not be accepted unless they are in their orig-inal
containers from the pharmacy. This
information should be made clear to the par-ents
before the camp experience. The nurse
cannot be accountable for administering
medications that he or she cannot verify.
• What should the nurse do if the med-ication
dosing instructions are different
from those on the medication label?
When this occurs, the nurse must verify
with the physician the correct dosing
instructions.
• Can a nurse delegate medication
administration to unlicensed staff if the
camper is participating in an activity
that is away from the health center?
Administration of epi- pens and sched-uled
medication doses can be delegated to
unlicensed staff, provided that they have
received adequate training and the parents
have agreed to allow this practice. The nurse
is responsible for education of the camper
and direction of unlicensed staff.
If this area of nursing is of interest to
you, and you would like to learn more, con-tact
the Association for Camp Nurses, at
www. campnurse. org. If you are a camp
nurse and have questions about nursing reg-ulation,
contact a practice consultant at ( 919)
782- 3211.
KATHY CHASTAIN, RN, MN,
Practice Consultant
22 { Official Publication of the NORTH CAROLINA Board of Nursing } . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
NORTH CAROLINA
BOARD OF NURSING
CALENDAR
Board Meeting
September 21– 22, 2006
Education/ Practice
Committee
August 24, 2006
December 7, 2006
Licensure Committee
August 8– 9, 2006
October 3– 4, 2006
December 5– 6, 2006
Settlement Committee
August 11, 2006
September 8, 2006
October 27, 2006
December 1, 2006
Administrative Hearings
July 20– 21, 2006
October 19– 20, 2006
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NATIONAL COUNCIL
Seeks Input on Current
LPN Entry- level
Nursing Practice
The National Council of State Board of
Nursing ( NCSBN) is launching a practice
analysis study designed to describe entry-level
LPN practice. Using a survey developed
by a panel of experts that included practicing
LPNs from a variety of practice settings and
specialty areas was as LPN educators, a sam-ple
of LPNs will be asked to determine the
frequency of performance and the impor-tance
of ach of the activities listed. The
results of the survey will be used to evaluate
the current LPN test plan in an effort to
assure that the NCLEX- PN examination
reflects existing practice.
This LPN survey will begin in June 2006.
NCSBN encourages nurses receiving the sur-vey
to complete and return it as soon as pos-sible.
If you have any questions about the
survey, contact NCLEX information at 866-
293- 9600 or email nclexinfo@ ncsbn. org.
LEGAL SCOPE OF PRACTICE WORKSHOP NOW
AVAILABLE O N L I N E
By popular demand the Legal Scope of Practice Workshop now is available
as an online educational offering. The fee is $ 40, and 2.8 contact hours will
be awarded for successful completion of the course. Access is granted for
three weeks.
The Board will continue to offer the Legal Scope of Practice Workshop at
the Board office quarterly ( on the basis of interest) for those who wish to
attend.
Instructions for Taking the Online Course
Go to www. ncbon. com.
Under Recent Announcements, click on Legal Scope of Practice Online
Course.
Click on Course Registration, and enter your information along with pay-ment.
It is recommended that you print out the handouts.
Click on Begin Course.
At the end of the course, click on Posttest and Evaluation. Then print your
certificate of completion.
MEDS PUBLISHING ONLINE
COURSES OFFERED
The Board continues to offer the following MEDS Publishing online courses:
• Series I— Dosage and Calculation Made Easy ( 6 modules)
• Series II— Pharmacology Made Easy ( 10 modules)
For details about either offering, visit the Board’s website, www. ncbon. com,
and under General Information, click on Meds Publishing Online Courses. Or
contact Pamela Trantham, practice enhancement coordinator, at ( 919) 782-
3211, ext. 279, or via e- mail at Pamela@ ncbon. com.
MEDICATION AIDE
INFO On Website
Updated information regarding Medication
Aides has been added to the Board’s web-site.
This information includes: General
Information, Frequently Asked Questions,
Law and Rules and RN Medication Aide
Instructor Information. All this material is
currently at www. ncbon. com click on
Medication Aides on the homepage.
NOTICE UPDATE NC CRNA RECOGNITION
All CRNAs are expected to renew their national certification biannually in July.
Approximately 60 days prior to expiration of the national certification, the
Board sends the CRNA a notice that the recognition is approaching expiration.
To update current NC CRNA Recognition, you must be within 60 days of
expiring. For your convenience, go to www. ncbon. com to update your CRNA
Recognition online.
REMINDER POSTCARDS TO UPDATE CRNA
RECOGNITION WERE MAILED THE LAST WEEK
OF MAY 2006.
The postcard provides the needed information and
instructions regarding CRNA Recognition Update.
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SUMMARY of ACTIONS
In keeping with public records and open meetings laws, the North Carolina Board of Nursing posts all actions in the Nursing Bulletin
or on its website, at www. ncbon. com. A regular meeting of the Board was held on May 18- 19, 2006, in Raleigh. The following is a
summary of the Board’s actions.
From the May 18- 19, 2006, Board Meeting
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
• Approved the proposed fiscal year
2006– 2007 budget
• Authorized staff to make minor or clarify-ing
revisions to 21 NCAC 36.0208,
36.0217( c) 19 and 21, and 36.0219, and
then proceed with the rule- making process
consistent with the migration to a cardless
licensure/ listing system
• Approved revisions to the following rules
of 21 NCAC 36.0800, Approval and
Practice Parameters for Nurse
Practitioners: 0801, Definitions; .0802,
Scope of Practice; .0803, Nurse
Practitioner Registration; .0804, Process
for Approval to Practice; .0805, Education
and Certification Requirements for
Registration as a Nurse Practitioner;
.0806, Annual Renewal; .0807,
Continuing Education; .0808, Inactive
Status; .0809, Prescribing Authority;
.0810, Quality Assurance Standards for a
Collaborative Practice Agreement; .0811,
Method of Identification; .0812,
Disciplinary Action; .0813, Fees; and
.0814, Practicing during a Disaster
• Amended revisions to 21 NCAC 36.0318
Faculty to delete the requirement for mas-ter's
level preparation pending decision
regarding requirement for a fiscal note and
proceed with the rule revision process
with a proposed effective date of August
1, 2006.
Rationale: Rule revisions for the nurse prac-titioner
approved by the Board of Nursing
and the Medical Board became effective
August 1, 2004. Among other things these
revisions strengthened the educational
requirements and allowed the nurse practi-tioner
to register to use the NP title. Since
the rules have been in effect for two years
and staff has worked with the revisions, some
clarifications need to be addressed.
EDUCATION AND PRACTICE
MATTERS
EDUCATION MATTERS:
• Ratified full approval status
Vance Granville Community College,
Henderson— ADN
Vance Granville Community College,
Henderson— PNE
• Ratified expansions in enrollment
Beaufort County Community College,
Washington— ADN: an increase of 40 for a
total of 120, effective spring 2007
Caldwell Community College and Technical
Institute, Hudson— ADN: an increase of 6
for a total of 116, effective spring 2006
Richmond Community College, Hamlet—
ADN: three clinical groups of 11, for spring
2006
Rowan- Cabarrus Community College,
Salisbury— ADN: an increase of 20 for a
total of 140, effective fall 2006; alternate
scheduling— evening/ weekend
Surry Community College, Dodson— PNE:
an increase of 5 for a total of 35, effective
spring 2006
• Granted initial approval
South Piedmont Community College,
Monroe— ADN, beginning fall 2006
Item highlighted above to be determined at
the Board meeting
• Granted full approval
Bladen Community College, Dublin— ADN
PRACTICE MATTERS:
• Received, for the Board’s information, a
revision to the statement “ The Role of
the Licensed Nurse in Providing
Complementary Therapies.” Statement
available at www. ncbon. com, under the
Practice Department link, or by calling
( 919) 782- 3211, ext. 244.
• Approved the statement “ The Role of
the LPN in Assessing and Categorizing
Wounds.” Statement available at
www. ncbon. com, under the Practice
Department link, or by calling ( 919)
782- 3211, ext. 244.
• Approved the master teacher recertifi-cation
requirements for medication
aide instructors
INVESTIGATION AND MONITORING
ACTIONS
• Received reports and granted absolu-tions
to 1 RN and 1 LPN
• Removed probation from the license
of 12 RNs and 1 LPN
• Denied reinstatement to 1 RN and 2
LPNs
• Accepted voluntary surrenders from
20 RNs and 6 LPNs
• Suspended the license of 5 RNs and
2 LPNs
• Reinstated the license of 11 RNs and
5 LPNs
• Accepted a consent to surrender the
privilege to practice— under interstate
compact— from 1 RN
• In accordance with G- S. 110- 142.1,
took action on 2 RN licenses ( suspend-ed)
and 5 NAII listing cards ( 1
revoked, 4 not eligible to renew)
Number of participants in the
Alternative Program for Chemical
Dependency: 110 RNs and 11 LPNs
Number of participants in the
Chemical Dependency Discipline
Program: 61 RNs and 9 LPNs
Number of participants in the Illicit
Drug Program: 28 RNs and 13 LPNs
.
BEGINNING JUNE 30TH
YOU CAN VIEW THE
CANDIDATE FORUM.
VISIT NCBON. COM
AND CLICK ON THE
ELECTION LOGO TO
REVIEW THIS
INFORMATION
26 { Of f i c i a l Publication of the NORTH CAROLINA Board of Nursing } . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Numbers Support REMEDIATION
The Board’s Practice Improvement and Regulation Committee provides direct oversight of all practice competency and misconduct
issues related to licensed nurses. This article reports on the Board’s progress in implementing its philosophy of remediation and a
nonpunitive approach to resolving competency issues and addressing activities involving misconduct.
PRACTICE- RELATED COMPLAINTS
All practice issues are reviewed by prac-tice
consultants to ensure consistency in
review of complaints as well as assessment
or appropriate remediation before punitive
action is considered. In 2005, practice con-sultants
reviewed 457 practice- related com-plaints,
and they resolved 390 ( 85%) at
this level of inquiry.
The most common types of allegations
( 68%) related to patients’ rights, such as
lack of respect, inappropriate interactions,
and breach of confidentiality, and to
patient care, such as neglect, abandon-ment,
medication errors, and failure to
maintain standards.
Most practice- related complaints ( 85%)
were resolved with no further action, indi-cating
that no violation was found, or
through a letter of concern, indicating that
although there was no actual violation of
the Nursing Practice Act, the licensee was
alerted that continued practice of the kind
that brought on the complaint might lead
to competency issues requiring Board inter-vention.
Of the 390 complaints resolved at
this level, 15% were referred for further
investigation and possible discipline.
The Practitioner Remediation and
Enhancement Partnership ( PREP) program
continues to be a viable option for
licensees to address, in a voluntary, non-disciplinary,
non- punitive environment,
competency issues that do not involve an
actual violation of the Nursing Practice
Act. However, the nurse must be willing to
accept responsibility and accountability for
competency issues, and he or she must
have the motivation to improve his or her
practice. In 2005, fifty- three candidates
were referred to PREP. Eighty- seven per-cent
were eligible for participation, most of
them registered nurses ( 67%). Referrals
came from all types of facilities, with hospi-tals
and long- term care facilities providing
an almost equal number. The majority of
referrals were for exceeding scope of prac-tice
( 35%). Medication errors ranked sec-ond
highest ( 22%).
Unfortunately, many nurses continue to
be reported to the Board without first being
considered for non- punitive remediation by
the employer. This is evident from the fact
that 64% of PREP participants were
referred by Board staff after practice com-plaints
were reported to the Board.
Consistent with the Board’s strategic
plan and compatible with the PREP philos-ophy,
the program will continue to work
toward a “ just culture,” focused on learning
collectively from errors rather than placing
blame on individuals who make errors.
INVESTIGATIONS
In 2005, four hundred forty- seven com-plaints
related to such issues as misconduct,
drug diversion, impairment, and criminal
behavior were referred directly for investi-gation.
The number of drug- related cases
increased from the year before, and this
kind of case represented the greatest num-ber
of violations. Most of the drug cases
involved the use or the handling of con-trolled
substances.
INTERSTATE COMPACT ISSUES
With the Interstate Compact, all
licensees practicing in North Carolina on
the privilege are offered all options for
complaint resolution. Five practice com-plaints
related to licensees practicing in
this state through the Interstate Compact.
Three of these nurses were referred to the
PREP program, one was referred for inves-tigation,
and the case of one was resolved
with no further action.
MONITORING AND PROBATION
An average of 4 licensees per month
successfully completed their probationary
licenses in 2005, compared with 3 per
month in 2004. The average number of
licenses suspended in 2005 was less than 1
per month, compared with 2.5 per month
in 2004. When noncompliance issues were
identified, staff provided licensees with an
opportunity to explain why they were not
meeting the probationary conditions and
also provided any further clarification
needed regarding the probationary condi-tions.
These quality- improvement measures
have contributed to a decrease in the num-ber
of licensees being suspended for failure
to comply with probationary conditions.
Thus the Board is keeping more licensees
in the workforce and decreasing costs to
the licensee and the Board.
DRUG- MONITORING PROGRAMS
The Board has four drug- monitoring
programs:
• Alternative Program for Chemical
Dependency ( AP)— nonpublic, nondis-ciplinary;
licensee admits chemical
dependency, participates voluntarily
• Chemical Dependency Discipline
Program ( CDDP)— public, disciplinary;
licensee must participate if he or she does
“ Unfortunately, many nurses continue to
be reported to the Board, without first
being considered for non- punitive
remediation by the employer.” }
CAROL SWINK, RN, PHD
Associate Executive Director
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not meet the criteria for the AP.
• Probationary Licensees who are drug
screening ( ProbS)— public, disciplinary;
evidence suggests substance issues; drug
screening required
• Illicit Drug Program ( IDP)— nonpub-lic,
non- disciplinary; positive pre-employment
or random drug screen,
with no evidence of impairment on duty;
licensee denies, and has no diagnosis of,
chemical dependency; drug screening
required
In December 2005 there were 234 par-ticipants
in all drug- monitoring programs,
compared with 193 participants in
December 2004. This represents a 21%
increase in volume. The number of partici-pants
in the AP and ProbS remained rela-tively
constant, whereas the number of par-ticipants
in the CDDP and the IDP
increased. It was anticipated that the num-ber
of participants in the IDP would
increase once the pre- employment drug
screens were added on July 1, 2004. The
reasons for the increase in the CDDP are
less clear, and annual growth is difficult to
predict for this program.
Seventeen participants completed the
AP in 2005. In terms of overall success of
the program since its inception in 1994, sev-enty-
eight nurses have successfully complet-ed
the required three years of monitoring
after returning to nursing practice. Only
nine participants are known to have
relapsed after completion of the program.
This represents an 88% success rate. One of
the objectives of the AP is to assist nurses in
returning to the workplace in a timely man-ner
after demonstrating evidence of being
grounded in their recovery. In 2005, sixty-eight
nurses returned to work. In the past
they would have been out of practice for a
minimum of one year.
The Board’s philosophy of remediation
versus punishment now is a reality. The
challenge to search for appropriate assess-ment
and remediation tools for competency-related
issues continues. So does the chal-lenge
to involve the employer and the Board
in a more comprehensive collaborative
approach to resolving competency issues ear-lier
in order to keep the nurse in the work-place
while maintaining the goal of patient
safety. The Board will move forward on using
an evidenced- based decision- making
approach to meet these challenges.
BOARD CREATES
POSITION OF
COMPLAINT
COORDINATOR
In July 2005 the Board created the position of complaint coordinator to establish a central location for
receiving and processing all complaints. The Board receives an average of 850 complaints each year.
Because each complaint is unique and important, the complaint coordinator reviews complaints on an
individual basis to ensure proper processing. It is preferable that all complaints be submitted on the
complaint form to assist the Board in processing and investigating the complaint. Following are some of
the most frequently asked questions regarding the filing of a complaint.
Q. Who may file a complaint?
Anyone may file a complaint. Sources of complaints
related to licensees are employers, co- workers,
patients, family members of patients, law enforce-ment
agencies, self- reports, and referrals from
other regulatory agencies.
Q. How do I file a complaint?
Complaint forms are available at the Board’s web-site,
www. ncbon. com, under Complaint Info. Two
types of forms appear there: Illicit Drug Complaints
and General Complaints. If you do not have access
to the Web, request a form by contacting Complaint
Coordinator, P. O. Box 2129, Raleigh, NC 27602, or
( 919) 782- 3211, ext. 282. When you are ready to
submit the complaint, send it to the address on the
complaint form, fax it to ( 919) 781- 9461, or e- mail
it to complaint@ ncbon. com.
Q. May I report my complaint to
the Board of Nursing via tele-phone?
Yes, telephone complaints are accepted but need to
be followed up in writing. We must have the
specifics of the complaint, including who, what,
where, and when, with any supporting documenta-tion
that is available. Not having the written docu-mentation
will hamper our ability to investigate the
complaint fully.
Q. What is the difference
between the two complaint
forms under the Complaint Info
link on the website?
• ILLICIT DRUG COMPLAINTS AND PROGRAM
DESCRIPTION — Use this form to report a positive
pre- employment or random drug screen. A failed
drug screen performed for cause with evidence of
impairment on duty should not be reported on this
form.
• GENERAL COMPLAINTS— Use this form to report
anything other than a positive pre- employment or
random drug screen.
Q. I notice that the complaint
form requests the Social
Security number and the certifi-cate
number. What if I do not
know this information?
It is helpful to have this identifying information, for
there are more than 122,000 licensed nurses in
North Carolina. Before launching an investigation
of a licensee, the Board uses extreme caution in
validating the identify of the nurse being reported.
more COMPLAINT Q& As on the next page
Tammy Horne,
Complaint Coordinator
If you do not know the Social Security number or the
certificate number of the licensee you are reporting,
please submit your complaint with as much information
as possible. If you have the licensee’s home address,
telephone number, place of employment, or other such
information, we can explore these avenues to ensure
proper identification of the nurse being reported.
Q. What conduct by a nurse should
be reported to the Board?
Any suspected violation of the North Carolina Nursing
Practice Act should be reported. For a copy of the act,
visit our website, www. ncbon. com, and click on Nursing
Practice Act/ Rules. The Board has no authority over such
matters as employment issues, rudeness to peers, dis-putes
with co- workers, personality conflicts, absen-teeism,
tardiness, refusal of assignment, and labor- man-agement
disputes such as work schedules, wages, and
termination.
Q. May I submit an anonymous
complaint?
Yes, anonymous complaints are accepted. However, we
still must have the specifics of the complaint: who,
what, where, and when. Also, not having a com-plainant’s
name will hamper our ability to investigate
the complaint fully.
Q. Will you protect my identity if I
list myself as the complainant?
If charges are brought against a licensee that you
reported to us, you may be required to testify, and the
licensee has the right to see the original complaint.
To review a complaint form visit
our homepage www. ncbon. com and
click on complaint info.
{ Official Publication of the NORTH CAROLINA Board of Nursing } . . . . . . . . . 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
COMPLAINT Q& As continued from previous page
the BREAK
r o o m
30 { Of f i c i a l Publication of the NORTH CAROLINA Board of Nursing } . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
NC Board of Nursing Workshop Registration Form 2006
Please check the appropriate Workshop Below
Continuing Competence Update
Information sessions related to future board
requirements for demonstration of
Continuing Competence. No fee required
for these sessions. Contact Hours pending.
__ July 27, 2006 - Wilmington – 10a. m. – 11: 30a. m
New Hanover Regional Medical Center
2131 South 17th Street
AHEC Auditorium
__ August 21, 2006
- Fayetteville – 10a. m. – 11a. m.
Fayetteville AHEC
1601 Owen Drive
2nd Floor Auditorium
__ September 7, 2006 - Asheville, 1– 2: 30 p. m.
Mission Hospital
Memorial Campus, Kate Reynolds Classroom
509 Biltmore Avenue
__ September 18, 2006 - Raleigh
NC Board of Nursing
3724 National Drive – Ste 201
SELECT ONLY ONE SESSION
___ 10a. m. – 11a. m. – Session 1
___ 1p. m. – 2p. m. – Session 2
__ October 18, 2006 - Greenville, 11a. m.– 12 p. m.
Pitt County Memorial Hospital
2100 Stantonsburg Road
Hospital Auditorium
__ October 26, 2006 - Charlotte – 10a. m.- 11a. m.
Charlotte AHEC
5039 Airport Center Parkway – Bldg K –
Classroom 15
Questions/ Directions? Contact Paulette at
( 919) 782- 3211, ext. 244,
or via e- mail at PAULETTE@ ncbon. com.
If you unable to attend one of these
workshops, please go to:
http:// www. ncbon. com/ prac- contcompwcast. asp
to view the web cast available 24/ 7.
YOU WILL BE ABLE TO PRINT CONTINUING COMPETENCE
DOCUMENTS AND RECEIVE CONTACT HOURS.
Legal Scope of Practice
( Raleigh at NCBON, 10: 00 a. m.– 1: 05 p. m.)
The purpose of this offering is to provide information and
clarification regarding the legal scope of practice parameters
for licensed nurses in North Carolina. Contact Hours offered.
__ Aug 16, 2006
__ Nov 15, 2006
( Limit of 20 people per
workshop)
Orientation Sessions for
Administrators of Nursing Services
and Mid- Level Nurse Managers
Information sessions regarding the functions
of the Board of Nursing and the impact of
these functions on the roles of the chief
nurse administrator and the mid- level nurse
manager in all types of nursing service set-tings.
Contact Hours offered.
Registration at least two weeks in
advance of scheduled session is
required. If you wish to review
materials before the session, call
( 919) 782- 3211, ext. 238.
( Limit of 20 people per session)
Questions/ Directions?
Contact: Linda Blain at 919/ 782- 3211 ext. 238
or via e- mail at LINDAB@ ncbon. com
NAME:____________________________________________________________
TITLE:____________________________________________________________
ORGANIZATION NAME:_____________________________________________
ADDRESS: ______________________________ STATE: ______ ZIP: _________
WORK PH#: (____)_______________ HOME PH#: (____)________________
HOME ADDRESS:__________________________________________________
CITY: _______________________________ STATE: ________ ZIP: _________
E- MAIL ADDRESS: __________________________________________________
Make checks payable to North Carolina Board of Nursing or pay by credit card. Registration fee covers course materials.
Credit Card Type: MasterCard Visa Expiration Date: Month: _____ Year: _____
Credit Card Number: __________________________________________________
Cardholder Name ( as it appears on Credit Card):___________________________________
Cardholder Billing Address: _____________________________________________
CITY: ________________________________ STATE: _________ ZIP: _________
Code:__________________ Total Amount: $____________________
Cardholder Signature: ________________________________________________
( Credit card payment cannot be accepted via fax or phone.)
Questions/ Directions?
Contact: Pam at 919/ 782- 3211 ext. 279
or via e- mail at PAMELA@ ncbon. com
( Raleigh- NCBON- 10am- 3: 55pm)
Role of the LPN in North Carolina
( Registration starts at 8: 00 a. m.;
workshop ends at 12: 45 pm.)
The purpose of this offering is to provide an overview regarding
the role, the responsibilities, and the scope of practice of the
licensed practical nurse. Content will focus on the role of the
LPN in contrast to the RN, clarification of the LPN as a nurse-in-
charge, and the role of the LPN in orienting the nurse aide.
RNs who assign to LPNs, and LPNs in any type of practice set-ting,
are encouraged to attend. Contact hours offered.
___ September 20, 2006 – Gastonia
Gaston Memorial Hospital
Magnolia Room
2525 Court Drive
Questions/ Directions? Contact: Linda Blain at
919/ 782- 3211 ext. 238
or via e- mail at LINDAB@ ncbon. com
___ July 12, 2006
___ September 13, 2006
___ November 8, 2006
WORKSHOP
NOW
AVAILABLE
ONLINE!
Go to www. ncbon. com Under Recent Announcements, locate
“ Legal Scope of Practice Online Course”
Click on the link and follow instructions
Please Indicate the following: Title/ Date of Workshops
Registration fee: $ 40 per session per person, for all work-shops
except Continuing Competence Update; NONREFUND-ABLE
( unless the workshop is cancelled)
PLEASE PRINT ALL INFORMATION AND MAIL TO:
Administrative Secretary– Practice, NCBON, POB 2129,
Raleigh, NC 27602. Please give a complete address, for you
will be mailed a confirmation and/ or directions.