Blog - NPACE

March 27, 2023

NPACE Notes: March 2023
From the Director

Keeping My Skills Up: The struggle is real

By: Terri Schmitt, Executive Director

Is anyone else out there struggling to keep up on clinical skills not used often in practice? Some practice areas I perform every single shift in primary care, like counseling on weight loss, evaluating depression and anxiety, prescribing the trifecta of medications for severe metabolic disease, starting insulin, or even treating common communicable diseases. In these places, I feel confident and secure. However, in skills I go months without using confidence is not something I feel. Give me an 8-year-old with a busted open knee that needs sutures and I am going to need a moment to gather myself and review my plan of action.

At NPACE, we have found the same feedback from our learners about the need to continue to maintain clinical skills and knowledge. We are proud to now provide ongoing skills education, continue reading…

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Exciting Upcoming Events!

Don’t miss out! Register for NPACE March Virtual today!

🎊 Earn a minimum of 5 CE credits wherever you are
🎊 Receive $50 Grubhub credits when attending Product Theater sessions
🎊 ONLY $50 for a full day of informative and interactive sessions

NPACE is happy to have partnered with local attractions and tours to provide our attendees with the best relaxation spots at affordable prices in Denver. Have your workcation this April!

Register for NPACE Denver Conference today!

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Can’t make it to Denver?
Check out NPACE’s other in-person events HERE

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Save $150 on Conference Registration with Hotel Pricing
Exciting News! NPACE is proud to offer a new discounted registration fee when you stay at the NPACE Conference Hotel! Save $150 on your 4-day conference registration when you book your stay at the NPACE conference hotel*

*A minimum of 3 nights at the event hotel is required to receive the discount. NPACE will charge the Full Conference Standard Price in case of hotel cancellation or incomplete stays. To receive hotel discount registration pricing follow the steps below:
- Book the hotel listed below on the hotel page for the conference of your choice
  
  Register for the conference with “Hotel Discount Pricing”
  
  When prompted, input your hotel confirmation
Save $150 on Denver Save $150 on San Diego Save $150 on Phoenix

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St. Patrick’s Day Sale

Share the luck this March and Save 10% off your entire cart on the NPACE Learning Center from March 17th -31st and get a jump start on earning your CE credit this spring! View our more than 180+ courses available and 20+ bundles to find exactly the topic you need. Use code: SPRINGSALE at checkout to redeem this offer! Register here!
*Excludes Nonpf Bundle

Bundle of the Month – Women’s Health Bundle

Save 10% off the price of our Women’s Health bundle! Earn a total of 5.5 CE & 3.25 Pharmacology CE upon completion by March 31^st at 11:59 PM EST. Use Code: MARBUNDLE23 at checkout to take advantage of this offer.

Register here!

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Partners of NPACE

Monmouth University

The 36-credit online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree at Monmouth University is a post-masters academic degree that focuses on organizational/systems leadership and scholarship in order to address today’s highly complex and rapidly evolving healthcare environments.

Their Open House is on April 15 @10AM. Register for their Open House if you’d like to learn more!

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Monthly Article

Traumatic Brain Injuries: Increasing Awareness

By: Amy Bruno, Ph.D., ANP-BC

March is “Brain Injury Awareness Month” and as we spring ahead towards warmer weather, let us take a moment to grasp the significance these injuries have on individuals, communities, and society. It is estimated that there are 64,000 deaths annually in the United States (US) due to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and 176 deaths per day.¹The definition of a TBI varies among experts but generally, these injuries result from an indirect or direct blow to the head which causes an alternation in normal brain function.²A TBI can further be defined as a closed, or open injury, and is classified as mild (concussion), moderate, or severe.^1,2These injuries lead to derangement of cellular, subcellular, and neurobiological changes which have the potential to cause devastating changes to an individual’s Continue reading

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As always, thank you for supporting NPACE! __________________________________________________________________________________________________
March 22, 2023

Traumatic Brain Injuries: Increasing Awareness
By: Amy Bruno, Ph.D., ANP-BC

March is “Brain Injury Awareness Month” and as we spring ahead towards warmer weather, let us take a moment to grasp the significance these injuries have on individuals, communities, and society. It is estimated that there are 64,000 deaths annually in the United States (US) due to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and 176 deaths per day.¹The definition of a TBI varies among experts but generally, these injuries result from an indirect or direct blow to the head which causes an alternation in normal brain function.²A TBI can further be defined as a closed, or open injury, and is classified as mild (concussion), moderate, or severe.^1,2These injuries lead to derangement of cellular, subcellular, and neurobiological changes which have the potential to cause devastating changes to an individual’s neurological, psychosocial, and occupational functioning resulting in possible lifelong disability.²Perhaps no greater type of injury has the potential to change a person’s sense of self like a TBI.

Who is most affected by a TBI? While anyone is at risk, the majority of TBIs occur at opposite ends of the age spectrum. Adolescents between ages 15-19 and adults ≥ 65 and older are most likely to suffer a TBI.³ In 2020, adults aged ≥75 had the highest rates of hospitalization and deaths due to a TBI.¹Males are twice as likely to be hospitalized and three times more likely to die due to a TBI as compared to females.¹

In the US, the most common causes of TBIs are unintentional falls, suicide (typically caused by firearms), and motor vehicle crashes (MVCs).⁴In 2020, suicide and unintentional falls were the top causes of death due to a TBI.⁴Older adults are disproportionately affected by unintentional falls and about half of the TBI-related hospitalizations are due to this. It is imperative that health care providers (HCPs) who care for older adults be cognizant of the significant morbidity and mortality associated with TBI-related falls. Injuries are frequently missed or misdiagnosed in this population due to other underlying health issues.¹Older patients should be screened regularly for fall risk including a home safety assessment and mitigating risks, such as minimizing polypharmacy and maximizing home exercise interventions to improve balance.⁴

It is also vital that HCPs recognize other vulnerable groups who are at a higher risk of TBI and who experience disparities in prevention, education, diagnosis, treatment, and health outcomes. In the US, American Indian and Alaska Native children, Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic individuals, our Veterans, the unhoused and incarcerated population, and survivors of intimate partner violence are at greater risk of sustaining a TBI and are less likely to receive a prompt diagnosis, rehabilitation, and follow up care leading to significantly poorer health outcomes.^1,4

As HCPs, we must increase our engagement in TBI risk reduction and education and prioritize assessment of those individuals who face the highest chance of adverse health consequences and disability due to these devasting injuries. Let us commit this month to further our personal brain injury awareness education.

References
1. Traumatic Brain Injury & Concussion. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated December 15, 2022. Accessed March 17, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/index.html
2. McAllister, T. W. Neurobiological consequences of traumatic brain injury. Dialogues Clin. Neurosci. 2011; 13(3): 287-300. Doi.org/10.31887/DCNS.2011.13.2/tmcallister
3. Traumatic Brain Injury. National Institute of Health (NIH). Updated January 5, 2022. Accessed March 19, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459300/
4. Peterson, A.B., Zhou, H., Thomas, K.E. Disparities in traumatic brain injury-related deaths. Safety Res. 2022; 83: 419-426. doi:10.1016/j.jsr.2022.10.001
February 24, 2023

NPACE Notes: February 2023

Table of Content

1. From the Director

2. Savannah Last Sale

3. Bundle of the Month

4. March Virtual Conference Sale

5. Free CE Opportunity

6. New Bundles Alert!

7. Partners of NPACE

8. Monthly Article

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From the Director

Wellness: More than just training the body

By: Terri Schmitt, Executive Director

Part of our value system at NPACE has included a focus on wellness for ourselves, our online continuing education users, and our in-person attendees. One of the ways we have done this is by exploring yoga, meditation, and meaningful time where we can focus on ourselves. As a part of this focus, we are piloting a program at an upcoming conference in Denver, Colorado where Jay Gupta, a renowned pharmacist, de-prescribing expert, and yoga teacher is going to hold a one-day learning event. During this event, an optional and free addition for conference attendees, we will consider the health benefits of the mind-body connection and yoga nidra techniques that can be used personally or taught to patients… Continue reading

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Savannah is a few days away!

Register for Savannah today!

Use code: SUPER10 to save 10%

Conference date: Feb 27 – Mar 2, 2023
Venue: Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort and Spa

Can’t make it to Savannah?

Check out NPACE’s other in-person events HERE

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Bundle of the Month – Clinical Essentials Vol. 1

Earn a total of 11.5 CE & 1.75 Pharmacology CE upon completion until February 28th at 11:59 PM EST. Save 10% in the month of January using code: FEBBUNDLE23 at checkout. The code is valid until February 28^th, 11:59 PM EST. Register here!

Check out more bundles from our learning center HERE

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Get 50% off the total price of the virtual conference until February 28th, 11:59 PM EST. Join us for a full day of vital primary care education topics for a minimum of 5.0 CE credits. Enhance your knowledge and your practice from wherever you are in this live-streamed one-day virtual event. Also, enjoy up to $50 worth of Grubhub credit included for attending sponsored sessions throughout the conference. Register here!

Use code: VC25 at checkout to redeem this offer!

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Free CE Opportunities

Earn up to 1 CE credit with this one-hour-long course on IUD/ LARC Insertion and Removal. This activity has been designed to address the educational needs of primary care clinicians and residents/fellows in family medicine. It may also be of benefit to physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers who are involved in family planning. For more information and registration, click here.

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New Bundles Alert!

Earn your CE credit early this year on the NPACE Learning Center with our newly added bundles!
View 4 new bundles that have been added to the NPACE Learning Center covering Orthopedics, Radiology, Primary Care, and a bundle highlighting one of our great speakers Sally Miller. These bundles will help suit all your CE needs with credit amounts ranging from 6 -18 CE credits with varying pharmacology credits per bundle! Scan the QR code to register!

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Partners of NPACE

Heads-Up Guidance Service (HUGS) Savannah

Founded in 2009, Heads-Up Guidance Services (HUGS) is a non-profit organization making professional behavioral health counseling & addiction recovery services accessible to all motivated individuals who desire growth, independence, and emotionally healthy lifestyles.

Our mission is simple yet profound. We are making exceptional behavioral health counseling accessible to all motivated individuals, and we train and utilize compassionate volunteer professionals to meet the communities’ counseling needs.NPACE is happy to be working with HUGS for our Savannah 2023 Conference. HUGS will be presenting on Day 2 of NPACE Savannah. Make sure to check them out!

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Monthly Article

Eating Disorders: Identifying the Signs

By: Indira Maurer, DNP, FNP-C

Eating disorders stand as the third most common chronic illness affecting our adolescent population³.Eating disorders are associated with the highest risk of fatality than any mental health disorder³and only 31% of patients with anorexia nervosa recover within 10 years of diagnosis². Despite these alarming statistics, there is a greater need for education of primary care providers regarding the identification and diagnosis of eating disorders.

Eating disorders does not discriminate as it can affect people of all ages, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and genders¹. Eating disorders frequently appear during the teen years or young adulthood but may also develop during childhood or later in life¹. Continue reading

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As always, thank you for supporting NPACE! ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
February 22, 2023

Eating Disorders: Identifying the Signs
By: Indira Maurer, DNP, FNP-C

Eating disorders stand as the third most common chronic illness affecting our adolescent population³.Eating disorders are associated with the highest risk of fatality than any mental health disorder³and only 31% of patients with anorexia nervosa recover within 10 years of diagnosis². Despite these alarming statistics, there is a greater need for the education of primary care providers regarding the identification and diagnosis of eating disorders.

Eating disorders do not discriminate as people of all ages, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and genders can be affected¹. Eating disorders frequently appear during the teen years or young adulthood but may also develop during childhood or later in life¹.

There are multiple types of eating disorders we must be aware of:

Anorexia nervosa occurs when individuals avoid food, restrict food, or eat limited types of foods. They tend to weigh themselves often and may see themselves as overweight even when dangerously underweight¹.

There are two subtypes of anorexia nervosa: a “restrictive” subtype and a “binge-purge” subtype.
- In the restrictive subtype of anorexia nervosa, people severely restrict the quantity and type of food they eat¹.
- In the binge-purge subtype of anorexia nervosa, people also greatly restrict the quantity and type of food they eat. However, they may also have binge-eating and purging episodes where they eat large amounts of food followed by vomiting and the use of laxatives to “purge” what was consumed¹.
Symptoms we can look out for include:
- Mild anemia and muscle wasting and weakness
- Brittle hair and nails
- Dry and yellow-tinged skin
- Growth of fine hair all over the body
- Constipation
- Low blood pressure
- Slowed breathing and pulse
Bulimia nervosa occurs when individuals have episodes of eating abnormally large quantities of food and experiencing a lack of control during the episodes. These episodes are followed by vomiting, use of laxatives and/or diuretics, fasting, or excessive exercise to eliminate or “work off” the calories consumed¹.

Symptoms we can look out for include:
- Chronically inflamed and sore throat
- Swollen salivary glands i
- Worn tooth enamel and decaying
- Acid reflux disorder
- Intestinal distress and irritation
- Severe dehydration
- Electrolyte imbalance
The binge-eating disorder occurs when an individual experiences episodes of eating unusually large amounts of food. However, unlike bulimia nervosa, these episodes are not followed by vomiting, the use of laxatives and/or diuretics, fasting, or excessive exercise. Individuals with binge-eating disorder are likely overweight or obese. It is important to know that binge-eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the United States¹.

Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), occurs when individuals limit the quantity or types of food consumed. Unlike anorexia nervosa, this is not associated with a distorted body image or anxiety around weight gain¹. The best way to describe this condition is to consider a young child that goes through phases of picky eating, however, an individual with ARFID does not “outgrow” this phase and ultimately does not consume enough calories to grow and develop normally¹.

Increasing awareness of eating disorders and identifying the symptoms that present with these disorders will alert us when greater steps need to be taken to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment measures.

References:
1. Eating disorders. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/eating-disorders.
2. Volpe KD. A perfect storm: Rise in eating disorders among teens during covid-19. Clinical Advisor. https://www.clinicaladvisor.com/home/topics/pediatrics-information-center/a-perfect-storm-rise-in-eating-disorders-among-teens-during-covid-19/. Published August 1, 2022.
3. Reynolds K, Lucrezia S, Reese J. Eating disorder facts. Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. https://www.hopkinsallchildrens.org/Services/Pediatric-and-Adolescent-Medicine/Adolescent-and-Young-Adult-Specialty-Clinic/Eating-Disorders/Eating-Disorder-Facts. Published 2023.
January 24, 2023

NPACE Notes: January 2023

Table of Content

1. From the Director

2. Savannah

3. Bundle of the Month

4. Partners Preview

5. Partners of NPACE

6. Monthly Article

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From the Director

NPACE 2023: An Inaugural Year in New Ways, New Places, and New Friends!

By: Terri Schmitt, Executive Director

Happy 2023 NPACErs! I am thrilled and excited to write those words. Each of you had a journey in 2022 to help prepare you for 2023. The journey that brought us to 2023 was of promise and full of inaugural events, new places, and we hope many new friends! We are honored and excited to begin our 2023 journey with you. Below are a few of the unique ‘firsts’ that 2023 will bring NPACE. We hope you chose to join us in some of these exciting new experiences! Read more…

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NPACE Savannah 2023

Not sure what to do in Savannah while at NPACE Conference?

NPACE has partnered with local attractions and tours to ensure all NPACErs have a great time in Savannah discovering the city while learning with NPACE!

Register for Savannah today!

Conference date: Feb 27 – Mar 2, 2023
Venue: Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort and Spa

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Can’t make it to Savannah?

Check out NPACE’s other in-person events HERE

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Bundle of the Month

Pediatric/Adolescent Health Bundle

Earn a total of 10.0 CE & 6.5 Pharmacology CE credits upon completion of this bundle. Save 10% in the month of January using code: JANBUNDLE23 at checkout. The code is valid until January 31^st, 11:59 PM EST.
Register here!

Check out more bundles from our learning center HERE

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2023 NPACE Partners Preview

By: Josh Plotkin, NPACE COO

Happy 2023! NPACE is excited for the upcoming year and all the learning opportunities available for Nurse Practitioners and Advanced Practice Providers. In addition to our continuing education content, NPACE is proud to work with many healthcare companies to help supplement our educational offerings both in-person and online!

In 2023, NPACE in-person conference attendees can plan on hearing from our sponsors: AstraZeneca COPD/Asthma, Bayer Women’s Health, Exact Sciences Stool DNA Screening, Neurocrine Biosciences Movement Disorders, Primary Care Education Consortium (PCEC), and many more. Sponsored programs are… continue reading

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Partners of NPACE

Heads-Up Guidance Service

Founded in 2009, Heads-Up Guidance Services (HUGS) is a non-profit organization making professional behavioral health counseling & addiction recovery services accessible to all motivated individuals who desire growth, independence, and emotionally healthy lifestyles.

Our mission is simple yet profound. We are making exceptional behavioral health counseling accessible to all motivated individuals, and we train and utilize compassionate volunteer professionals to meet the communities’ counseling needs.

NPACE is happy to be working with HUGS for our Savannah 2023 Conference. HUGS will be presenting on Day 2 of NPACE Savannah. Make sure to check them out!

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Monthly Article

A Healthy Patient: More Than a New Year’s Resolution

By: Indira Maurer, DNP, FNP-C

As a new year rolls around, so do the hopes and resolutions for a healthier lifestyle. Patients may come to us for guidance in achieving their goals to shed some weight, eat healthier, and adopt better lifestyle choices. Yet, with all the trending diet plans and exercise programs out there, determining which are the best ones to recommend to our patients can be a daunting task.

In the last 20 years, obesity rates increased from 30.5% to 41.9% in the United States¹. Obesity affects all races with Black adults having the highest rate of… Continue reading

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As always, thank you for supporting NPACE! ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
January 24, 2023

A Healthy Patient: More Than a New Year’s Resolution
By: Indira Maurer, DNP, FNP-C

As a new year rolls around, so do the hopes and resolutions for a healthier lifestyle. Patients may come to us for guidance in achieving their goals to shed some weight, eat healthier, and adopt better lifestyle choices. Yet, with all the trending diet plans and exercise programs out there, determining which are the best ones to recommend to our patients can be a daunting task.

In the last 20 years, obesity rates increased from 30.5% to 41.9% in the United States¹. Obesity affects all races with Black adults having the highest rate of obesity at 49.9%, Hispanic adults at 45.6%, White (non-Hispanic) adults at 41.4%, and Asian adults at 16.1%¹. The long-term sequelae of obesity include heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer; all of which are among the leading causes of preventable, premature death. In 2019, obesity alone had an estimated cost of 173 billion dollars in the United States¹.

The question is, how can we make an impact? Let’s talk about exercise! With just 1 in 4 adults meeting physical activity guidelines, there is a great need for education and awareness of physical activity. The current recommendation includes a minimum of 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity with the incorporation of muscle-strengthening activity at least 2 days per week². It is important that patients understand that physical activity is anything that gets our body moving and burns calories. Any movement is better than none at all. It is often helpful to encourage your patients to start slow and work their way up. Some activities you can recommend include brisk walking (at least 2.5 miles per hour), water aerobics, tennis, and biking slower than 10 miles per hour².

Let’s shift our focus to nutrition. Diet is a personal choice that may be influenced by multiple factors such as income, food prices, individual preferences/beliefs, and cultural dietary customs. It is important that we educate our patients on the need for a well-balanced diet rather than a specific dietary “trend” that may impose demands making it difficult to follow. A healthy diet should include fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains³. It may be helpful to present a visual of the recommended daily intake of the food groups. For example, fruits and vegetables should make up half of their plate for their meals⁴. Whole grains should make up one-quarter of their plate. The remaining quarter is for lean protein. Salt intake should be limited to less than 5 grams per day while sugar intake should not make up more than 10% of the total energy intake for the day³. Oils should be consumed in moderation with a preference for healthier vegetable oil sources³.

We have an opportunity to influence and educate our patients on making better choices to improve their overall health. Nutrition and exercise are important areas where we can start, as these steps ultimately reduce the risk of disease and increase our patients’ general well-being.

References
1. Adult obesity facts. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html. Published May 17, 2022.
2. American Heart Association recommendations for physical activity in adults and kids. www.heart.org. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults. Published July 28, 2022.
3. Healthy diet. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/factsheets/detail/healthy-diet. Published April 29, 2020.
4. Healthy Eating Plate. The Nutrition Source. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/healthy-eating-plate/. Published October 4, 2021.
December 22, 2022

NPACE Notes: December 2022
Table of Content

1. From the Director

2. End-of-Year Sale

3. Bobbie Medical

4. 2023 Conference Registrations

5. Partners of NPACE

6. Free CE Opportunity – Become NPACE Content Expert

7. Monthly Article

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From the Director

A year in review

By: Terri Schmitt, Executive Director

Nothing brings reflection for me like the end of the year. It is a time to laugh, cry, embrace the best, and look for opportunities to be better. In reflection, the last 12 months at NPACE have been incredible in many ways. Some of my most fond memories of this past year include
- Being terrified that returning to in-person conferences was not going to work, especially after the January & February Omicron outbreaks and airline staffing shortages.
- Sitting in the front row in Orlando, the first in-person conference in 2 years, to hear Wendy Wright and Sally Miller inspire and provide some of the best in-person education. Continue reading
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End-of-Year Sale

Save 20% off your ENTIRE CART on The NPACE Learning Center

Use code YEAREND22 to redeem
Sale dates: 12/16/22 – 12/31/22

*End of Year Sale Excludes NONPF Bundle

THERE’S MORE

We have added two new FREE courses by Kathy Baldridge, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP, FAIPM. Both are available now each with 1.0 CE Credit included!

Alzheimer’s Dementia: The Hippo in the Room

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. The etiology is unknown and there is no known cure for this devastating progressive neurodegenerative disease. The hippocampus is affected and prevents the patient from forming new memories.

Parkinson’s Back to the Future

Parkinson’s Disease is a common neurologic disorder. Early recognition and treatment are key to slowing the progressive disability that occurs as a result of decreased dopamine. Primary care providers are key to recognizing signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease early.

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Bobbie Medical

Take the Feeding Friendly Pledge

Join the new generation of Feeding Friendly healthcare professionals who are dedicated to improving infant feeding clinical care so that no parent ever feels shame or guilt for how they feed their babies! utm_source=email&utm_content=NPACEdec”>Join here!

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JOIN NPACE IN 2023

In-Person Conferences

Register for Savannah! Register for Denver!

Virtual Conferences

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Partners of NPACE

IDD Healthcare Course (Intellectability)

NPACE has partnered with IntellectAbility to bring clinicians the fundamentals of IDD healthcare, providing learners with pertinent, practical information that can be used immediately in their practices to improve

outcomes, reduce suffering, and prevent unnecessary death in their patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Use code NPACE22 for $200 off! Register NOW!

NONPF

National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) and NursePractitioner Associates for Continuing Education (NPACE) have partnered to offer a 28-credit continuing education program specific to the learning needs of new nurse practitioner (NP) educators.
- Foundations and Theoretical Frameworks of Education
- Curriculum Design
- Student Assessment
- Clinical Education and Evaluation
- Technology and Learning Best PracticesRegister NOW!
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Free CE Opportunity – Become NPACE Content Expert

NPACE appreciates your experience and expertise! We are looking for content experts. As a content expert, you would be asked to review CE courses on our LMS. Your input as a content expert helps NPACE decide if the content is relevant, unbiased, and clinically appropriate. In return for volunteering to review CE content, you will receive all the CE for the content that you review for free. NPACE publishes a monthly newsletter. You may also have an opportunity to write a 500-word article for our newsletter, too. Thank you for your service to our NP community!!!

Please use the link to apply to become an NPACE Content Expert!

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Full Practice Authority

What Does This Mean for our Patients?

By: Mona Williams-Gregory, Ph.D., DNP, APRN

In 1965, the role of the NP was created by Loretta Ford. In this fledgling role, she functioned as a pediatric NP in collaboration with a pediatrician. For several years, the role of the NP remained relatively unchanged and ill-defined with physicians acting in supervisory capacities. In 1971, Idaho was the first state to formally recognize the role and the expansive scope of NPs¹. Increasingly since then, the contributions made by NPs have been well documented and are rich in the literature. By 1994, five states had adopted full practice authority for NPs. Since then, full practice authority has been sweeping the US and has been adopted by 26 states, DC, and two US territories¹. Continue reading

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As always, thank you for supporting NPACE! ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
December 15, 2022

Full Practice Authority: What does this mean for our patients?
Full Practice Authority

What Does This Mean for our Patients?

By: Mona Williams-Gregory, Ph.D., DNP, APRN

In 1965, the role of the NP was created by Loretta Ford. In this fledgling role, she functioned as a pediatric NP in collaboration with a pediatrician. For several years, the role of the NP remained relatively unchanged and ill-defined with physicians acting in supervisory capacities. In 1971, Idaho was the first state to formally recognize the role and the expansive scope of NPs¹. Increasingly since then, the contributions made by NPs have been well documented and are rich in the literature. By 1994, five states had adopted full practice authority for NPs. Since then, full practice authority has been sweeping the US and has been adopted by 26 states, DC, and two US territories¹.

What does full practice authority mean for our patients? Head-to-head studies have compared clinical and quality outcomes of patients cared for by NPs with patients cared for by physicians. Patients cared for by NPs have equivalent, positive clinical outcomes when compared to similar patients cared for by physicians^2,3,4,5,6. When caring for patients, the clinical safety among NPs is equivalent to that of physicians⁶. Care provided by an NP has demonstrated improvement in several clinical indicators. Inpatients cared for by NPs have lower mortality rates³. Outpatients cared for by NPs have fewer ED visits⁵ and fewer hospitalizations^2,5. Overall, the care provided by NPs is associated with lower total healthcare expenditures⁵. Patients cared for by NPs consistently report greater patient satisfaction than when cared for by other health care practitioners⁶. NPs provide superior education and more counseling than any other healthcare provider^4,6. Full practice authority means reduced costs and improved access to quality healthcare services^5,7.

References:
1. Brom, H. M., Salsberry, P. J., & Graham, M. C. (2018). Leveraging health care reform to accelerate nurse practitioner full practice authority. J Am Assoc Nurse Pract, 30(3), 120-130.doi: 1-.1097/JXX.000000000000023
1. Liu, C-F., Hebert, P. L., Douglas, J. H., Neely, E. L., Sulc, C. A., Reddy, A., Sales, A. E., & Wong, E. S. (2020). Outcomes in primary care delivery by nurse practitioners: Utilization, cost and quality of care. Health Services Research, 55(2),1 78-189. doi: 10.1111/1475-6773.13246
2. Gupta, S., Balachandran, M., Bolton, G., Pratt, N., Molloy, J., Paul, E., & Tiruvoipati, R. (2021). Comparison of clinical outcomes between nurse practitioner and registrar-led medical emergency teams: a propensity-matched analysis. Critical Care, 25(117). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13054-021-03534-4
3. Kurtzman, E. T., & Barnow, B. S. (2017). A comparison of nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and primary care physicians’ patterns of practice and quality of care in health centers. Med Care, 55(66), 615-622. doi: 10.1097/MLR.0000000000000689
4. Morgan. P. A., Smith, V. A., Berkowitz, T, Edelman, D., Van Houtven, C., Woolson, S. L., Hendrix, C. C., Everett, C. M., White, B. S., & Jackson, G. L. (2019). Impact of physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants on utilization and costs for complex patients. Health Affairs, 38(6). https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2019.00014
5. Carranza, A. N., Munoz, P., & Nash, A. J. (2020). Comparing quality of care in medical specialties between nurse practitioners and physicians. J Am Assoc Nurse Pract, 33(3), 184-193. doi: 10.1097/JXX.0000000000000394
6. Dillon, D., & Gary, F. A. (2017). Full practice authority for nurse practitioners. Nursing Administration Quarterly, 41(1), 86-93. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/312009196
November 22, 2022

NPACE Notes: November 2022

Table of Content

1. From the Director

2. 2023 Conferences

3. Black Friday Sale

4. Partners of NPACE

5. Monthly Article

6. Monthly Wisdom

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From the Director

By: Terri Schmitt, Executive Director

Gratitude, as defined by Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is the state of being grateful. Then, in all capital letters Merriam-Webster’s notes “THANKFULNESS”. Gratitude sums up how I feel today about being with NPACE and the work the organization has done in the last year. Last month, I had the honor of reviewing all of the ‘give-back’ in free continuing education, faculty seats, and student-centric products that NPACE provided thus far in 2022. This give-back I am thankful for and has enhanced my own NP practice.

This month I am grateful we completed the last of our 2022 conferences in Boston and opened registration for our first two conferences of 2023 in Savannah and Denver. The Boston event was one of the high points of the year for me, where NPACE got to celebrate both Veterans’ Day and NP Week with nurse practitioners from across the nation. We were able to read the Massachusetts governor’s proclamation of NP week with our board of directors President, Karen Windle. Continue reading
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2023 Conference Registration

Register for Savannah! Register for Denver!

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Black Friday Sale

NPACE is back again this year with another spectacular Black Friday sale!

Get 50% off your entire cart at the NPACE Learning Center! With a wide selection of more than 120+ individual courses and 20+ bundles, you can find the exact courses you need. Only on November 25th till 11:59 PM EST!

Use Code: BLACKFRIDAY22 at checkout to redeem this offer!

*Excludes NONPF Bundle

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Partners of NPACE

PCEC Free COPD Course

Earn 1.0 CE Credits when you complete this Free CE Course! Available until Nov 30^th– Click HERE TO REGISTER

IDD Healthcare Course (Intellectability)

NPACE has partnered with IntellectAbility to bring clinicians the fundamentals of IDD healthcare, providing learners with pertinent, practical information that can be used immediately in their practices to improve outcomes, reduce suffering, and prevent unnecessary death in their patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Use code NPACE22 for $200 off! Register NOW!

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Palliative Care: An idea whose time has come

By: Jackie P. Fournier NP, C. ACHPN

hirley lives with her husband and is constantly surrounded by her grandchildren. They give her joy. Despite ebbing energy, she insists on being surrounded by them. Shirley has been living with throat cancer for about a year. She has received all the established cancer treatments including surgery. Shirley can’t talk but she can express her needs, desires, and loves very easily. I am fortunate enough to care for her in outpatient oncology. I am a palliative care nurse practitioner. Read more

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Monthly Wisdom

CDC Releases 2021 Chronic Disease Statistics

On September 27^th, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) released data from the Behavioral Risk Surveillance System (BRSS). This database provides critical information on trends about chronic disease and risk factors. Information from over 400,000 participants helps to track diseases and risk factors for development including depression, asthma, cancer, diabetes, and more. Information on the database release can be found here.

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As always, thank you for supporting NPACE! ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
November 21, 2022

Palliative care: An idea whose time has come

Palliative care: An idea whose time has come

By: Jackie P. Fournier NP, C. ACHPN

Shirley lives with her husband and is constantly surrounded by her grandchildren. They give her joy. Despite ebbing energy, she insists on being surrounded by them. Shirley has been living with throat cancer for about a year. She has received all the established cancer treatments including surgery. Shirley can’t talk but she can express her needs, desires, and loves very easily. I am fortunate enough to care for her in outpatient oncology. I am a palliative care nurse practitioner.

Frequently, palliative care teams are asked “what is palliative care”? Dr. Cicely Saunders and Dr. Balfour Mount are credited for establishing the foundation of palliative care. Dame Cicely Saunders, a nurse, social worker, and physician established the discipline and culture of palliative care. Dr. Mount, a Canadian urologic oncology surgeon coined the name, “Palliative care” to define a specialized healing approach for patients and families dealing with serious illnesses. Each explored the essence of caring through curative care or when a cure could not be attained. At any stage of an illness, palliative care (PC) provides relief of symptoms affecting QOL and offers an extra layer of support to patients, families, healthcare teams, and PC partners¹.

In the early 1980s, PC services for patients with cancer were acknowledged as a needed and essential health service². Serious illnesses with high mortality rates, like heart failure, prompted the American Heart Association to call for PC integration into routine heart failure management³. PC can improve patient-centered outcomes and reduce hospital costs and admission rates. Among patients with lung cancer, those with PC involved had fewer depressive symptoms, lower rates of aggressive treatment at end of life (EOL), and greater family and caregiver satisfaction⁴. In patients with COPD who had an unpredictable disease trajectory, early PC involvement and regular discussions reduced emotional angst, provided time to digest information, and an opportunity to understand the illness⁵. Despite research supporting the benefits of early utilization of PC services, misconceptions persist that PC is only to be used at EOL⁵.

So, the obvious question is, “why do delays in the utilization of PC services persist”? One barrier to the appropriate use of PC may be the name itself. The term PC evokes confusion and fear because of perceived links to active dying or hospice³. Another barrier may be the referrer’s lack of knowledge regarding what PC provides. Despite growing populous needs, the lack of PC providers may also be a barrier to PC referrals^{5, 6}. The PC model focuses on the biopsychosocial needs of those with serious, chronic illness and their families. Palliative care affords an extra layer of support across all healthcare settings that provides an opportunity to optimize care and clarify the goals of care.

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