ARN Southeast Texas Chapter

We Won!! Southeast Texas Chapter ARN was once again recognized nationally with the 2008 Local Chapter of the Year Award at the ARN Annual Educational Conference in San Francisco, CA, October 1-4, 2008.

This newly created award will be given each year to recognize a local chapter that meet the following criteria:
• Provided an extraordinary educational event above and beyond the requirements designated by ARN. The educational
   event must reflect principles of the current trends in rehabilitation nursing.
• Has excelled in regularly communicating with its members.
• Has exceptional membership recruitment and retention methods.
• Has made a significant contribution to the community in the last year.

Thanks to all who make this an outstanding Chapter!!!!

 

CONGRATULATIONS

Ann Gutierrez, MSN, RN, CRRN for receiving the 2010 Nurse of the Year Award in the Nurse Educator Role at the ARN Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida. We are proud of your accomplishments and all you do for the SETX Chapter of ARN!!!
It is an honor for us all to be working with you in this great chapter
 

 

 A grateful THANK YOU to our 2011 Expo Sponsors & Exhibitors:

Gold Sponsors:	BARD Medical Memorial Hermann Home Health Guldmann
Silver Sponsor:	TIRR/Memorial Hermann
Bronze Sponsors:	Adaptive Driving Access Inc. TRIUMPH Hospital Muilenburg Prosthetics & Orthotics Memorial Hermann Rehab Hospital, Katy
Exhibitors:	Brawner Paper Company Transitional Learning Center – Galveston Universal Hospital Services HealthPoint Biotherapeutics KCI Therapeutic Support Systems Cameo Caregivers

 

And to our.... 2012 Monthly meeting hosts
January:	The Methodist Hospital—Medical Center
February:	Kindred Hospital—Midtown
March:	SizeWise Rentals
April:	TIRR/Memorial Hermann
May:	TouchstoneNeurorecovery Center & Nexus Specialty Hospital
June:	SETX Expo and Scholarship Fundraiser
July:	St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital
August:	Michael E. DeBakey Med VAMC
September:	Memorial Hermann Northwest
October:	HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital
November:	Holiday Gala & Awards Banquet

We sincerely appreciate your support!

THANK YOU TIRR/Memorial Hermann
	For Our April Meeting

   Monthly Meeting Flyers:

Beginning in March 2009, SE Texas Chapter ARN will send out monthly meeting flyers by email only. Meetings will also continue to be posted on this website. Members, if we do not have a current email address for you, please send your current email address to Betty Clark at info@arnsoutheasttx.org

   May 2012 Educational Meeting:

The May educational meeting will be held Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at Landry’s Seafood House, 1212 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77380. Time: 5:00 – 7:30 PM. Sponsored by: Nexus Touchstone. Program: “Post Acute Brain Injury Rehab: Picking Up Where Others Leave Off”. Click here for further details.

   June Expo & Fundraiser 2012:

SAVE THE DATE!! The June Expo and Fundraiser will be held Tuesday, June 26, 2012 at Memorial Hermann Northwest Hospital, South Tower Classrooms, 1635 North Loop West, Houston, Texas 77008. Time: 4:30 -8:30 PM. Sponsored by: Memorial Hermann NW Hospital Program: The Spiritual and Emotional Wellness in The Spinal Cord Patients During Their Inpatient Rehabilitation Process. Click here for further details.

   July 2012 Educational Meeting:

The July educational meeting will be held Tuesday, July 24, 2012 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital, 6720 Bertner, Houston, Texas 77030. Time: 5:00 – 7:30 PM. Sponsor: TBA Program: TBA Click here for further details.

   August 2012 Educational Meeting:

The August educational meeting will be held on Tuesday August 21, 2012 at the Michael E. DeBakey VAMC Hospital in the medical center at 2002 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, Texas 77030. Time 5:00 - 7:30 PM. Sponsor: National Rehab Equipment, Inc. Program: "Wound Care Challenges: Special Needs for Special Populations" Click here for further details. Click here for further details.

   September 2012 Educational Meeting:

The September educational meeting will be held on Tuesday September 25, 2012 at the Memorial Hermann NW Hospital located at 1635 North Loop West Houston, Texas 77008. Time: 5:00 – 7:30 PM. Sponsor: TBA Program: TBA Click here for further details.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS & SAVE THE DATE!!

   Rehabilitation Nursing Review Workshop:

The SETX Chapter of ARN will again have the Review Workshop available next year again in August for nurses to prepare for the Certification in Rehabilitation. The date and location will be announced in the beginning of 2012 so keep your eyes open for information as it becomes available. Please encourage your staff to consider participating in this review course to help prepare rehabilitation nurses for the National Exam. This would be a great opportunity to begin studying and reviewing for the exams. Registration forms are always available at our monthly educational meetings.

   Scholarship Awards:

Scholarships will be considered for rehabilitation nursing related education such as formal course work, continuing education programs and conferences, National ARN Educational Conference, and the SETX Chapter Rehabilitation Nursing Review Workshop. Start planning ahead for a scholarship award for 2012!!! There are going to be 7 awarded in 2012. Three will be awarded in the following categories for the 2012 National Conference in Nashville, Tennessee: Perfect attendance at monthly educational meetings, Committee Chairperson, and Paper/Poster presentation. Seven will be awarded for scholarships to Chapter members who apply. The Scholarships will be for $750.00 each. Please consider applying for a scholarship in 2012.

Scholarship Winners from June Expo 2011: 8 scholarships were awarded

National Conference
Kuldip Amolenda
Linda Arfele
Chi Eziakonwa
Kerry Davis
Mary Hairston
Lois Stephens-Newman
Ann Gutierrez

Review Workshop and CRRN Exam
Eleanor Ayangco
 

   ARN National Conference Scholarships:

Three scholarship drawings to help towards attendance at the November ARN National Education Conference were drawn at the August educational meeting of 2011. Chapter members who meet requirements in the following three categories were awarded to the following Chapter Members:

• Perfect Meeting Attendance: attend 100% of Chapter meetings January through August, 2011
      Recipient: Cindy Gebhard
• Committee Chairperson: All active committee chairpersons
      Recipient: Betty Clark
• Paper or Poster Presenter: All who will be presenting a paper or poster at the ARN National Conference
      Recipient: Becky Thayer

   Rehabilitation Nurse of the Year Award:

Members are encouraged to nominate colleagues who are members of the SETX Chapter of ARN for this annual award. Forms to nominate a member are handed out at each of our monthly meetings or available on the website: Click here for nomination form. Contact Julius Penning @ info@arnsoutheasttx.org for further information.

Deadline for nominating a member for this prestigious award is August 31, 2011.

   ***2010 Rehabilitation Nurse of the Year***

***CONGRATULATIONS CELESTE MCLAUGHLIN, MS, RN, CNS, CRRN***

We are proud of your contributions to rehabilitation and your dedication to the pursuit of excellence in Rehabilitation Nursing Practice.

    New CRRNs: 

Congratulations to our newest CRRNs!!!

	Sherry Grimes, BSN, RN, CRRN
	Deanna Bennett RN, CRRN
	A.J. Campbell RN, CRRN
	Mary Ann Euliarte RN, CRRN
	Carolyn Machie RN, CRRN
	Lucy Osemwegie RN, CRRN
	Ruth Pardon RN, CRRN
	Annette Rayby RN, CRRN
	Easter Del Castillo RN, CRRN
	Laurelle Onweike RN, CRRN

 We are proud of your achievements. 

      CRRN EXAM: New Registration Deadlines

Due to a change in testing companies, the registration process and deadlines for the CRRN exam have changed.  Candidate applications and fees must be mailed in to CASTLE WORLDWIDE, INC. by the following deadlines:

                April 15, 2012 for June 1-30, 2012 CRRN Exam dates

                October 15, 2012 for December 1-31, 2012 CRRN Exam dates

         

          Late fee options are now available; contact ARN National.

 

          A new content outline became effective for the June 2007 examination. This is posted at www.rehabnurse.org. The exam
          now has only 175 questions (25 pretest: un-scored), and candidates will have up to 3 hours to complete the exam.

Candidate handbooks and application forms are available from ARN National (1-800-229-7530).  Registration forms may also be downloaded from the ARN National website(www.rehabnurse.org ). 

    Get Involved!!

SE Texas Chapter is very active, with thirteen committees working throughout the year. Committee members are needed!! Get involved – it’s a great way to meet colleagues, share ideas, learn, and… have fun! Contact Julius H. Penning or Glennys Asselin at info@arnsoutheasttx.org for more information or to sign-up. Committee sign-up sheets will be available at our Monthly Educational meetings to sign up and become more active in our Chapter’s activities.

     Membership Participation Incentive: Back for 2012

Those SE Texas Chapter ARN members who actively serve on:
1) the Board of Directors
2) Chair a committee
3) actively serve on a committee OR
4) attend a Chapter meeting 8 out of 10 months in 2012
will be awarded a free ticket to the 2012 Holiday Gala & Awards Banquet in November. Thank you for your active participation!

We were able to provide 22 Chapter members with complimentary 2012 Holiday Gala tickets!!

   Update Your Contact Information:

Please help us keep our membership roster current! Update your address, phone, e-mail, and other contact information at www.rehabnurse.org in the Members only section. Please notify Mary Joe White at info@arnsoutheasttx.org also, so that the Chapter records are current.

    On-line Membership Directory:

Did you know that you are able to obtain other members’ contact information through the on-line Membership Directory at www.rehabnurse.org in the Members only section? A listing of all SE Texas Chapter members is also available, using the search by Chapter section

    Community Activity Report:

Are you involved in a rehabilitation related community activity? Be sure to report your volunteer service to SETX Chapter ARN!! One of the Chapter goals for 2008-2009,2009-2010, 2010-2011 and again for 2011-2012 is to increase our involvement in rehabilitation related community activities, and this will help toward our application for the Chapter of the Year award for the National Conference in Tennessee 2012.

Examples of activities include health fairs, SIRES therapeutic riding, Parish nursing activities, and events such as the MS 150 bicycle ride. Click here to download the form to complete, and turn in at the next Chapter meeting. It is important for our Chapter to document the hours of related community activity our members are giving to advance rehabilitation in our communities throughout the Houston and surrounding areas. Activities from July 2010 and after are eligible.

    Community Action – SILENT AUCTION:

Beginning in 2004 & 2005 the Chapter supported two worthy causes in the community: T.H. Rodgers School and Camp Xtreme. T.H. Rodgers is an HISD school that educates many children with disabilities, and Camp Xtreme is a summer camp devoted to children who use wheelchairs. In 2006, the Chapter contributed to the “Be an Angel Fund” for playground equipment for children with disabilities and Camp Xtreme. In 2007 and 2008, the Chapter contributed to the SIRES Therapeutic Riding: a therapeutic horse riding program for individuals with disabilities. In 2009 and 2010, the Chapter contributed to June Rusche Hamrah Camp for All, a barrier free camp for children and adults with chronic illness or disabilities and their families. The Chapter wishes to continue to assist community agencies for persons with disabilities.

Thanks to the generous support of Chapter members, the 2011 Silent Auction was once again a tremendous success!!!

Proceeds from the 2011 Silent Auction will be donated to the Paws for Patriots. Paws for Patriots is an organization that trains specially bred dogs from Florida to assist veterans, American Heroes, with disabilities in the following categories:

Guide Dogs
Pairs highly trained guide dogs with visually impaired veterans. Veterans live and learn on campus, then receive lifetime follow-up and support. If you are a blinded veteran interested in learning more about how you may obtain a guide dog from Southeastern Guide Dogs.

Veteran Assistance Dogs
Trains and places exceptional dogs not suitable for guide work into careers benefitting veterans who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Gaining confidence from these dogs, veterans expand their lives, regain mobility and independence and re-integrate into their communities.

Facility Dogs
Places therapy dogs into military hospitals to spread cheer and encouragement and help wounded warriors heal from their injuries.

This year we raised more than $1,000.00 dollars to donate to their great cause in providing assistance to our American Heroes who have given freely of themselves to protect the freedoms we enjoy in this Great Country. A grateful “Thank You” to our American Veteran Heroes.

A grateful “THANK YOU” to all who donated and participated in the Silent Auction
 

2012 Silent Auction!!
November 2012
Site: Any suggestions???

Plan ahead because before we know it the 2011 Gala and Silent Auction will be on our doorsteps. Start thinking of items that could be donated to generate funds for our Community Organizations that focus on rehabilitation for individuals with disabilities. It is a great way for our Chapter to continue supporting the services available within the Houston and surrounding communities.

Items to donate!!

• Handmade items: jewelry, crafts, sewing,…
• Gift Cards to favorite local restaurants or stores
• Christmas items for the Holidays
• Collectables: coins, paper weights, dolls,…
• Themed Baskets
• What ever creative ideas are always welcome

Help support our Communities throughout the Houston area by donating an item(s) to Auction!

    Newsletter: "Rehab Round-Up"    

Our Newsletter, “Rehab Round-Up” is published twice yearly and sent out electronically. Glennys Asselin, MSN/ED, RN, CRRN, AA is the editor. The Spring 2012 edition will be emailed out early March or April and the fall edition will be emailed out in early October so make sure we have your current email address so you do not miss an issue. If you would like a copy, please contact Glennys Asselin at info@arnsoutheasttx.org

Items are needed for the newsletter – brief articles, promotions, legislative updates, clinical tips, etc. Submit to Glennys Asselin at info@arnsoutheasttx.org.

     National ARN News:

Please visit the National ARN website,  www.rehabnurse.org  or refer to your ARN Network newsletter to learn more about :

1. ARN –CAT – Competency Assessment Tool

2. New RNF Research Agenda

3. Locating members or updating your contact information

4. CRRN Exam New Content Outline

5. Safe Patient Handling Toolkit

6. Rehabilitation Nursing online

7. New Position Statement on Documentation of Medical Necessity

8. New On-line CRRN Practice Exam

9. FREE on-line contact hours for members

10. Member-Get-A-Member Campaign

 

    Continuing Education Contact Hours:

 

                    ARN National is no longer an approved maintenance provider for CDMSC, CCM or

                    CRCC continuing education. 

 

                    However,  SETX chapter membership voted to provide CCM continuing education units

                    for at least five (5) of the ten (10) annual educational programs.  Please see the calendar

                    page each month for posting of CCM contact hours.  If you have any questions or

                    concerns, please contact us at info@arnsoutheasttx.org. 

     Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan:

To be administered either by a state or by the Department of Health and Human Services, will provide a new health coverage option for Americans who have been uninsured for at least six months, have been unable to get health coverage because of a health condition, and are a U.S. citizen or are residing in the U.S. legally. The plan will continue until 2014 when the new health insurance exchange system will be established. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2010pres/07/20100701a.html.
Info on how to apply for the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan is available at www.HealthCare.gov.

     Medicare Annual Update of the International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM):

Change request 7006 reminds the Medicare contractors and providers that the annual ICD-9-CM update will be effective for dates of service on and after October 1, 2010. New, revised, and discontinued ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes can be found on the CMS Website or at the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) Website in June of each year.

     ANA Launches Web Site to Broaden Support for Safe Patient Handling Goals

As part of its long-standing effort to increase awareness about the need to eliminate manual patient handling by RNs working in healthcare facilities, the ANA launched a new Web site to promote grassroots support. Learn more by going to http://www.anasafepatienthandling.org/
Ref.: “The Nurse and Health Care Worker Protection Act of 2009” (H>R> 2381), sponsored by Rep. John Conyers, (D-MI).

     ARN Health Policy Digest - December 2011:

Welcome to this month's edition of the ARN Health Policy Digest. This member benefit provides monthly updates on health policy, legislative, and regulatory developments that may be of interest to rehabilitation nurses.

-Tavenner Gains Early Support

Marilyn Tavenner, the nominee to succeed Dr. Donald Berwick as head of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, is receiving early support from healthcare stakeholders. Dr. Berwick announced his resignation on December 2nd after a tough 18 months on the job. He was named to the position during a congressional recess and was never actually confirmed by the Senate. His appointment was set to expire at the end of the year. Read more about what specific health organizations are saying about Ms. Tavenner's nomination.

-MedPAC to meet on IRFs

The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission held a public meeting December 15-16, 2011 in Washington, DC. The MedPAC agenda lists "Assessing Payment Adequacy: Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Services" as the discussion topic. A transcript will be posted after the meeting. View the full agenda.

-Multi-Stakeholder Group Input on Quality Measures

As required by the Affordable Care Act, CMS has released a list of quality and efficiency measures being considered for 2012. Read about the CMS process or view the full list of quality and efficiency measures.

-Nursing Shortage Less Likely than Previously Believed

A recent study showed that between 2002 and 2009 there was a 62% increase in the number of young registered nurses (ages 23-26). The researchers thought that the increase was most likely the result of campaigns to draw people into the field, changes in nursing programs that accommodated more people, and tough economic times. The authors warned that although the nursing shortage is less likely, that doesn't mean that the demand for nurses couldn't still skyrocket, especially with an aging population and less primary care physicians. Read the full article.

-Demystifying the Mechanics of Bundled Payments

The Advisory Board Company has recently released a document to help those with questions regarding how bundled payments in CMS' Care Improvement Initiative really work. The document covers frequently asked questions such as "What exactly would we be discounting if we participate in the bundled payment initiative?" and "How would the retrospective bundling process used for Models 2 and 3 impact gainsharing?" Read the answers.

-FY2011 IRF PPS PC Pricer Updated

CMS has updated the FY2011 Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities (IRF) Prospective Payment System (PPS). Download the PC pricers.

-Allied Health Workforce and Services Workshop Summary Available

The Institute of Medicine has made available a summary of the Allied Health Workforce and Services Workshop that was held in May of 2011. The goal of the workshop was to determine what allied health is, what workforce strategies could improve access to select allied health services, and how policy makers and allied health providers can improve the regulations and structure. Download the summary here.

-Nurses Ranked Most Trusted Again

For the 12th year in a row nurses have been ranked the most trustworthy profession by Gallup's annual poll. When asked, 84% of respondents classified the honesty and ethical standards of nurses to be "high" or "very high." Read more about how trustworthy nurses are or view the full report of the Gallup poll.

-Top 10 Nursing Articles of 2011

Health Leaders Media has put together a list of the top 10 nursing articles they wrote this year. The list ranges from "5 Ways to Reduce Nursing Turnover in Year One" to "Nurse Staffing Costs Must Be Weighed Against Cost of Errors." See the whole list.

-Comments Needed on Multiple Chronic Conditions

The National Quality Forum is seeking comments on a draft measurement framework for assessing the efficiency of care provided to individuals with multiple chronic conditions. Comments will be accepted until January 13th. Learn more or submit comments.

-NBA Institutes New Concussion Policy

The NBA has recently put in place a concussion policy that will require several days if not weeks of clearance before an individual can return to play after suffering from a concussion. Players and coaches will receive annual training on the importance of reporting symptoms and players will undergo baseline training before the start of preseason games. Read more.

To read more on these topics go to info@rehabnurse.org and look for ARN Health Policy Digest - December 2011

     Texas Legislation:

    - Texas Nursing Voice

Texas Bill to provide safer workplace environment and additional patient advocacy protection. SB 476/ HB 591 “Hospital Safe Staffing Act” has a section on prohibiting mandatory overtime for nurses working in hospitals for both RN and LVNs. Highlights of the Bill are that a nurse could not be retaliated against for refusing to work mandatory overtime, refusal to work mandatory overtime would not constitute patient abandonment, overtime compensation would not be affected and would continue to be governed by applicable federal and state wage and hour laws, and also does provide for exceptions such as natural disasters and medical emergencies. Sponsors are Sen. Jane Nelson (R-Flower Mound) and Reps. Donna Howard (D-Austin) and Susan King (R-Abilene) and supported by the organizational members of the Nursing Legislative Agenda Coalition and Texas Hospital Association.

 

Touchstone Neurorecovery Centers is a post acute rehabilitation facility nationally known for being on the leading edge of neurobehavioral rehabilitation. www.nhsltd.com  9727 Wahrenberger Road, Conroe, TX 77304  (936)788-7770  or  Toll Free: 1-800-414-4824 Touchstone Supports ARN!

BARD Medical Division of C.R. Bard, Inc., is a market leader in urological drainage systems, in addition to providing skin & wound care products, wound drainage products, and a variety of specialty tubing products. www.bardmedical.com  1-800-526-4455 BARD Supports ARN!

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