Light in the Darkness
Posted over 5 years ago by Penny Thomas
Good afternoon everyone!
I hope this email finds all safe and well in this crazy and chaotic time. I am emailing to address some positive changes and momemtium that are happening in the states that directly affects us as Nurse Practitiioners.
This is such a trying time for all of our families, jobs, and entire state since Covid-19; however, in the dark there is always light! And as some of you may know the governor recently signed a proclomation suspending all collabortive practice agreeents!! The governor has also asked that all nurse practitioners go to the link below and sign up to volunteer. Who has time to actually volunteer right? Especially with kids, homeschooling, jobs....we are already on the front lines....Your concerns are real and valid; however, this request was directly out of the governors mouth. If we want his continued support, I believe it is a good idea to simply adhear to his request. It will only benefit us in the future. When and if the state actually calls us to volenteer, if we cannot do it, we simply cannot do it. This does not mean that we cannot comply with the governor's request and sign up. I am emploring each and every one of you to please sign up on the link below. This is unprecdeted times for us as nurse practitioners in Louisiana. Mountians are being moved daily and change is actively consistant. There is good that is shining through these dark times.
https://www.covid-19lavolunteers.org
Representive Ivey from the Baton Rouge district has also filed HB 864 which would provide for removal of the collaborative practice agreement for APRN's in Louisiana after this crisis is over and the executive order expires. Please note that no one has any idea how or when the legislative session will move forward. So while there is a bill in the system, we do not know if it will even be heard. LANP is working on formulating a plan on lobbying legislators, when they are not in session. There will be further discussion with leadership this week.
One of our Lafayette representatives had the pleasure of speaking to Senator Fred Mills yesterday! She stated he was very apprachable, friendly, and 100% supportive of Nurse Practitioners and what we do! He suggested that we all document during this time almost in journal fashion all of the good that is happening to us and our practice while the CPA has been suspeneded. As we all know as nurses, if it was not documented, it was not done. This is our evidence during these trying times to present to legislation and maybe even the governor himself. For instance, I have been directly effected by this. I will simply write down my experiecne, and when the day comes I will read it to whomever wants to listen in legislation. I understand that not all of us are as comfortable with public speaking, however if you would please send me your stories, I will make sure they get where they need to go!!! I will collect them and make a book to present to our legsislators and governor! I will take that responsibility for our region!! You do not have to sign your written experiences if you wish to remain anonymous. Yes, this is just another "something" to add to our long days, but it is imperative in order to proceed forward with lifting unnecessary restrictions that are put on our licenses.
Just to recap:
1.) Sign up on the above link that was provided per Governor Edwards
2.) Write down all and any good that has happened since the CPA has been suspended. i.e. How has it impacted you and your practice?
3.) Write down all of your experiences as a healthcare professional since this pandemic. i.e. have you cooked for another family, bought groceries at the end of a 14hr shift?? covered others patient load because they have been out??? cried with families? in private?? what are you thoughts and actions?? have you helped out in any capacity within or outside of your role?
4.) If you are an expired member, now is the time to join!!! We have weekly member only zoom meetings where our president Kathy Baldridge updates us as to what is happening statewide. This is such an exciting time to be part of our professional organization! Our next Zoom meeting will be April 6th at 7 pm. The invite will be emailed to all members.
Again, I want to thank you all for taking the time to receive this email! I am excited to be your rep! I am here for you in every capactity. Please feel free to contact me with any comments, questions, or concerns. We are better united, and I know this region has enough fire and some AMAZING NP'S to ignite a huge flame! I say lets make change and light it up!!!
Sincerley,
Penny Thomas, APRN, DNP, FNP-C
(985) 687-4557