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You are receiving this update as a licensee of the Wisconsin Board of Nursing and/or as a subscriber to this communication.
Chair's Corner
By: Rob Weinman, RN, CCHP
Chairperson, Wisconsin Board of Nursing
Happy Winter Nurse colleagues! With the change of the seasons, there is also constant change in our profession. While it is not always appreciated, we can always count on change in healthcare, whether it is with the practice act, technology, evidence-based practice, or even workflows. Change can be quite uncomfortable, but as they say, change occurs when you step outside your comfort zone.
Myself, alongside DSPS staff, recently had the opportunity to attend a Jeffersonian leadership and policy conference. The concept of working together, regardless of differences, is just as important today as it was in 1801 when President Jefferson was leading our country through tough times. In healthcare we work as a team with the goal of achieving the best possible outcomes for our patients. I have spoken in the past about the importance of ensuring Nursing (and healthcare as a whole) remains a welcoming and inclusive environment. We all have our differences, but how those differences are respected and communicated is the foundation of a successful and healthy workplace environment. When the foundation is missing, organizations see high rates of nurse burnout and turnover, which leads to a negative impact on the quality of health care, poor patient outcomes, and overall organizational success. We know as a profession we are seeing high rates of exit. We must all share what we do, the wins we have, and celebrate the impact nurses have on the populations we serve.
In review of Wis. Admin. Code ch. N 7 I wanted to highlight a rule that I have seen an uptick in complaints to the Board. Chapter 7, Paragraph 6, subsection (d)-
Failing to report to or leaving a nursing assignment without properly notifying appropriate supervisory personnel and ensuring the safety and welfare of the patient or client.
The Board understands and can sympathize that we all have lives and challenges outside of work, and many face challenges within the workplace as well. However, when a nurse accepts responsibility for taking care of patients, they are charged with seeing that through. Regardless of any internal or external challenges that may exist, as medical professionals, it is our responsibility to ensure patients’ needs are met with appropriate care and oversight. We as Nurses have a duty, as outlined in the rule, to “ensure the safety and welfare of the patient or client.”
Enjoy your lovely winter/holiday season! Remember to talk about your profession and encourage others into thinking about nursing as a career choice.
 Reference:
Martin, B., Kaminski-Ozturk, N., O'Hara, C., & Smiley, R. (2023). Examining the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Burnout and Stress Among U.S. Nurses. Journal of nursing regulation, 14(1), 4–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2155-8256(23)00063-7
Board of Nursing Quick Links
Statute and Rules
BON Annual Reports
Agenda Materials/ Meeting Dates
Nursing School Information
Board of Nursing Best Practices for Prescribing Controlled Substances Guideline
Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) Website
Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services Disclaimer: Please note that this article is for informational purposes only, and does not constitute or imply endorsement by the State of Wisconsin or the Department of Safety and Professional Services.
Nurses have struggled with mental and emotional health due to the stressors of their positions; this is nothing new. As a result, nurses have higher rates of mental health and substance issues as well as suicide compared with the general population (Choflet et al., 2023). The National Academy of Medicine found that burnout had reached “crisis levels” among the U.S. health workforce, with 35-54% of nurses reporting symptoms of burnout. Perpetuating this issue is the stigma that prevents nurses, and other healthcare professionals, from seeking support for their mental health (Murthy, 2022).
The ANA Membership Assembly voted on recommendations:
- Encourage employers to foster a culture that prioritizes well-being, normalizes open communication about mental health, supports prevention and promotes care-seeking (ANA, 2024).
It is time to put those recommendations into action. But how do we do that? There is one solution available in many organizations and states. Peer support. But what is it and how do we help nurses find it?
Peer Support as One Solution
Peer support is a powerful tool for addressing a variety of challenges, including those faced by nurses. By connecting individuals with similar experiences, it fosters a sense of community, understanding, and mutual support.
Key Benefits of Peer Support:
- Reduced isolation: Peer support can help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation.
- Increased coping skills: Sharing strategies and experiences can lead to the development of new coping mechanisms.
- Enhanced self-efficacy: Peer support can boost individuals' belief in their ability to overcome challenges.
- Improved mental health outcomes: Studies have shown that peer support can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Increased resilience: Connecting with others who have faced similar challenges can build resilience.
Challenges and Considerations:
While peer support is a valuable tool, it's essential to address potential challenges and limitations:
- Confidentiality: Ensuring confidentiality is crucial to building trust among participants.
- Training: Peer support specialists may require specific training to effectively facilitate groups.
- Integration with traditional care: Peer support should be seen as a complement to professional care.
By understanding the benefits, applications, and potential challenges of peer support, we can effectively leverage this approach to improve the lives and careers of nurses of all levels.
Discover WisPAN: A Community for Nurses
In Wisconsin, we have the Wisconsin Peer Alliance for Nurses, or WisPAN. Started in September of 2021, WisPAN offers peer support meetings focused on substance use and peer support meetings focused on nurse mental wellness. Although separate meetings, nurses can join either one or both. The meetings are virtual, confidential and free. They are open to any nurse from students to retired nurses, RN, LPNs and APRNs…any nurse. There are no obligations, nurses are encouraged to come as often, or as little, as they like.
In WisPAN, we're all about sharing what works! Our meetings share practical tips and techniques from fellow nurses who've been there. One popular strategy is mindfulness, and breathing exercises are a great way to start. Check out this helpful video for a simple technique: Box breathing relaxation technique.
But that's just the tip of the iceberg! WisPAN meetings offer much more. Join us and discover a toolbox full of resources to help you thrive as a nurse.
To contact WisPAN: email us at wispan2021@gmail.com, call us at 414-376-7002, or visit our website https://wipeeralliance.org/.
See you at a meeting soon.
Kristin Waite-Labott BSN, RN, CARN, CPRC
Founder and President WisPAN, Wisconsin Peer Alliance for Nurses
References:
ANA, (2024, June). https://www.nursingworld.org/news/news-releases/2024/2024-ana-membership-assembly-passes-recommendations-to-address-critical-issues-in-nursing-practice/
Choflet, A., Rivero, C., Barnes, A., Waite-Labott, K., Lee, K. C., & Davidson, J. E. (2023). Accessibility and financial barriers in the utilization of alternative to discipline programs in the United States. OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 28(1), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.3912/ojin.vol28no01man06
Murthy, V. H. (2022, May). Addressing health worker burnout: The U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory on building a thriving health workforce. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/health-worker-wellbeing-advisory.pdf
Board of Nursing Membership
The Board of Nursing consists of 9 members. The members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate.
Board Members:
Robert W. Weinman, Chairperson, Registered Nurse Member (Beaver Dam)
Jennifer L. Malak, Vice Chairperson, Registered Nurse Member (Oregon)
Patrick McNally, Secretary, Licensed Practical Nurse Member (Elm Grove)
John G. Anderson, Public Member (Madison)
Vera Guyton, Licensed Practical Nurse Member (Madison)
Amanda K. Kane, Registered Nurse Member (Oshkosh)
Shelly R Sabourin, Registered Nurse Member (Glendale)
Christian Saldivar Frias, Public Member (Milwaukee)
Information on how to apply for appointment to the Wisconsin Board of Nursing can be found through the Office of the Governor.
National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) Resource Links
IMPORTANT REMINDER: Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 440.03(13)(am), and N 7.03(1)(h), Wis. Admin. Code, it is a licensee's duty to notify the Board of Nursing of a felony or misdemeanor in writing within 48 hours after the entry of the judgment of conviction.
Conviction Self-Report
Enforcement Actions of the Board of Nursing
The Board of Nursing, with help from staff at the Department of Safety and Professional Services, can take action against nurses licensed in the state to help protect the profession and the citizens of Wisconsin. You may search for any of the Board Orders listed below on the Department’s Orders and Disciplinary Actions Website.
Board Orders
May 1, 2024 - December 15, 2024
A wealth of useful information is available on the Department of Safety and Professional Services website at: https://dsps.wi.gov/
Do you have a change of name or address?
Licensees can update name or address information by creating a support ticket and selecting Account Questions from the “I need assistance with” dropdown.
Please note that confirmation of changes is not automatically provided. Legal notices will be sent to a licensee’s address of record with the Department.
Legal notices will be sent to a licensee’s address of record with the Department. Under s. 440.01(1), Wis. Stats., an applicant or credential holder has 30 days to provide notification of a change in name or address. Similarly, under s. 440.11(1m)(a), Wis. Stats. an applicant for or recipient of a credential who changes his or her electronic mail address or whose current electronic mail address becomes inactive shall notify the department of such a change within 30 days of the change.
Telephone Directory:
Call the Department of Safety and Professional Services toll-free (877) 617-1565, or (608) 266-2112 in the Madison area to connect to the service you need.
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