A Note from Your VCNP President
The pandemic is taking its toll on all of us as we work to meet the needs of our patients while taking care of our own health. This week, VCNP member and Health Wagon CEO Teresa Tyson asked for volunteers to help administer monoclonal antibody treatments, vaccines and tests.
If you’re able to help the Health Wagon, please consider volunteering. If you’re helping at other sites across Virginia, please let us know so we can share your good work with others.
Remember that NPs with autonomous practice licensure do not need a collaborative agreement to volunteer. This is a great reason to apply, even if you don’t think the licensure will help in your current employment.
Legislative receptions begin this month 
VCNP’s regional legislative receptions begin this month. In some regions, VCNP is partnering with other nursing organizations to host these virtual or in-person events. Please contact your regional Government Relations chairs for details including registration information. We will share additional dates as events are scheduled. 
  • Blue Ridge – September 28
  • NOVA – October 6
  • Piedmont – September 29, 7-8 pm
  • Tidewater – September 30, October 7, October 14, 7-8 pm
Board of Nursing appointments
Congratulations to VCNP member Laurie Buchwald, women’s health and family NP, Virginia Women’s Health, on her appointment to the Virginia Board of Nursing. Teri Crawford Brown, lead administrative supervisor, Clinch Valley Health, also was appointed. Margaret Joan Friedenberg, retired, Commonwealth of Virginia, and Cynthia Swineford, vice president, Southside College of Health Sciences, Bon Secours Mercy Health, were reappointed. 
VDH updates
The Virginia Department of Health recently shared updates about:
  • Back-to-School resources and reminders
  • CDC’s Health Alert Network (HAN) health advisory about ivermectin
  • Update on monoclonal antibody treatment for COVID-19
  • Virginia Immunization Information System requires providers to report all immunizations by January 1, 2022
VDH schools COVID guidance
Earlier this month, the VDH issued a supplemental guide entitled “Clarification for VDH K-12 close contact definitions and quarantine periods.” The document allows an exception to the close contact definition for students in indoor and outdoor K-12 settings, including school buses that meet certain criteria, and details options for quarantine when needed.
VDH measles update
The VDH issued specific information about measles in Virginia including:
  • Current measles situation in Virginia
  • Management of patients with illness clinically compatible with measles
  • Measles vaccination
Free VDH COVID webinars
The VDH is hosting a series of free webinars this fall about topics related to COVID-19. CE credits are available.
 
Webinar are scheduled for:

 
Join the webinars at:

Oct. 6 - Dial In: 1-408-418-9388, Meeting Number: 132 916 5219, Webex Webinar Link: Click here to join
 
Oct. 20 – Dial In: +1-408-418-9388, Meeting Number: 132 605 3945, Webex Webinar Link: Click Here to Join
 
Nov. 3- Dial In: +1-408-418-9388, Meeting Number: 132 936 7287, Webex Webinar Link: Click Here to Join
COVID vaccine updates
Last week the FDA recommended against the widespread use of COVID-19 booster shots for Americans. The FDA did recommend COVID-19 booster shots for adults 65 and older and the immunocompromised.
 
As of September 20, more than 5 million Virginians had been fully vaccinated, and more than 5.8 million Virginians had received one dose. Please encourage your patients, family and friends to use Virginia’s centralized system for information about free COVID-19 vaccines – online at vaccinate.virginia.gov or by phone at 877-VAX-INVA (829-4682).
Nominations close for state board positions – September 30
Nominations are open through September 30 for the VCNP state positions of president-elect, secretary and treasurer. To nominate yourself or someone else for one of these roles, please complete a nomination form. Many regions also will be holding elections this fall so contact your regional leadership to learn about open positions.
The 4 Ps of VCNP’s PAC
Do you know about the purpose, people, process and past successes of VCNP’s PAC? Learn more about how PAC funds are supporting health care in Virginia, and create a legacy for the future of NPs. Sign up for monthly donations, which can start at $5/month and be automatically deducted from your account. One-time donations are welcome too!
Thanks to these members for their recent donations – Kim Bednar (Piedmont), Sarah Berry (NOVA), Pamela Buck (Lynchburg), Wendy Gilraine (Blue Ridge), Phyllis McCormick (Southside), Maureen Milauskas (Blue Ridge), Erin Morris (Shenandoah), Hishanij Perera (Fredericksburg), Lorraine Perkins (Peninsula), Lisa Riha (Peninsula), Angelea Riveria (Tidewater), Anne Saunier (Lynchburg), Barbara Schimming (Tidewater), Tracy Seefried (Shenandoah), Pamela Tetro (Piedmont), Jessica Waddell (Tidewater) and Cindy Zerfross (Southside).
Share your autonomous practice stories
If you’ve applied for or received your autonomous practice license, let us know why you applied, how autonomous licensure will impact your practice and why you think it’s important for other NPs to apply. Send your stories – and a photo – to alissa@commonwealth-pr.com for use in future VCNP communications.
VCNP’s membership year is almost over so don’t forget to renew your membership by September 30. VCNP members have access to discounted annual conference fees, state and regional speakers and CE events, enhanced member communications, and partnerships with dedicated lobbyists and legal counsel to advocate for our members and all Virginia NPs. I look forward to what the future holds for NPs and hope you will continue to partner with us through your membership.
Becky Compton, DNP, RN, FNP-BC
President, VCNP Board of Directors
vcnppresident@gmail.com