News & Updates
A Note of Thanks and Appreciation
I would like to extend a sincere thank you to outgoing board members, Mark Odden, BSN, MBA, CRNA, ARNP Chairperson and Nancy Kramer, EdD, ARNP, CPNP, CNE Vice-Chairperson for their service to the Iowa Board of Nursing. Mark has served on the board for 6 years representing nursing practice. Dr. Kramer has served on the board for 9 years representing nursing education. Both terms ended on April 30, 2022.
As board members Mark and Nancy have been involved in many Iowa Board of Nursing (IBON) initiatives; such as the passing of the updated Nurse Licensure Compact, numerous revisions to the Iowa Administrative Code, paperless licensure and transitioning to a digital newsletter. Mark and Nancy’s experience and education have been an asset during a very difficult year with COVID and throughout their time with the board.
Mark and Nancy have been true leaders in carrying out the mission of the Board to protect the public health, safety and welfare. Please join me in thanking both Mark and Nancy for their endless hours of service as members of the Iowa Board of Nursing.
With kind regards,
Kathy Weinberg, MSN, RN Executive Director
National Nurses Week, May 6-12, 2022
National Nurses Week begins each year on May 6th and ends on May 12th, Florence Nightingale's birthday. Nurses Day is celebrated May 6th! As of 1998, May 8 was designated as National Student Nurses Day. As of 2003, National School Nurse Day is celebrated on the Wednesday within National Nurses Week (May 6-12) each year. A big thank you to nurses everywhere for your tireless efforts to serve the lives of your clients and patients. You deserve recognition every day!
|
National Prevention Week for Mental Health and Substance Use: May 8-14th, 2022
The month of May is an important time to raise awareness regarding mental health and substance use and recognize the impact it can have on healthcare workers. The wellbeing and emotional resilience of healthcare workers are key components in maintaining essential healthcare services. Healthcare workers were faced with challenges like never before due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Board encourages all health care professionals to take care of their health and themselves.
Statistics & Facts on Substance Use in Nurses
- The rate of nurses’ substance use is comparative with the general population estimates of substance use; between 6% and 8%.
- 18 % of nurses showed signs of substance use, while one-third of this population (6.6% of the entire population) qualified for a substance use disorder.
- Substance use may still be stigmatized in the field of nursing. Many nurses who recover from substance use issues tend to feel stressed about re-entering the healthcare field because of the restrictions placed on them upon reentry (more restrictive schedules, drug testing, monitoring, and required attendance at support meetings, like AA).
- Many nurses report using substances to cope with stressors, or watching peers cope with stress by using substances.
- Illicit and prescription drug use are most common in home health and hospice nurses and nurses who work in nursing homes.
For more detailed information on how to get involved and more resources, please visit the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
Source: Webster, A. (2022, April, 12). American Addiction Centers. https://americanaddictioncenters.org/healthcare-professionals/rehab-for-nurses
|
