VCNP-Shenandoah Region

February 2021 Meeting Minutes

February 18, 2021

Members in attendance:  Erin Morris, Haley Tusing, Susan Adamson, Monica Heck, Maretta Yoder

Guest Speaker:  Amy Sales, CMP, Deputy Executive Director, Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners 

NP Students in attendance:  None

Meeting Location:  Zoom Meeting

Business Meeting:  

1. Susan Adamson gave an update on the Harrisonburg Rockingham Free Clinic closure.  Plan to open new clinic named Blue Ridge Free Clinic.  Returning to the old model of volunteerism, no barriers clinic, navigation of health care system, ACA enrollments, and will host short and long-term patients.  Susan is currently serving as President of the new Free Clinic Board of Directors. 

•  Amy Sales

-reviewed changes to VCNP website and resources that are available to members and leadership, including state-provided platforms for meetings and connection (GoToMeeting/Constant Contact- which do require password)

-vcnp@vcnp.net/434-906-1778.  This is Amy’s email and work cell for any questions.  In Amy’s absence, Betsy Crowell will be our liaison. 

-Amy reinforced that the VCNP goal is for the Shenandoah region to thrive. 

-The VCNP is working on election syncing of regions to assist with onboarding of new leadership and committee members.  Current elects are due in October with placement of newly elected members in March of 2022. 

-Amy informed the group that we do not need to have a sitting President; however, attendance at board meetings for voting purposes does require an elected member.  Amy will check to ensure that non-elected members can attend the board meetings for representation, but will likely be dismissed for the “executive” portion of the meeting. 

-CME education information/questions should be directed to Helen Willis or Betsy Crowell at vcnpconference@gmail.com or betsy.crowell@easterassociates.com

-Amy also informed the group that other than a board report, there is no financial report required of our group at this time. 

3.  Monica Heck shared with the group regarding Membership Committee. 

               -They meet once a month.

-Membership is slightly down, but expected to increase pre-conference and at graduation.

-Currently Shenandoah membership is at 67.

-The Membership Committee is working on ways to increase engagement.  Getting members involved is a statewide problem.

4.  Maretta Yoder- currently sitting secretary and unofficial meeting planner.  She will begin   pursuing in-person meeting options for May of 2021 and 2 meetings in the fall. 

Current to-do list and plan moving forward:

1.  Amy Sales will send Erin Morris the statewide emails for now.
2. Try to get a credit card to assist with meal payment and ease of purchasing stipends/etc…
3. Attendance at pending board meetings for 3/10/2021, 6/19/2021, ? 10/2/2021
4. Erin will work on board report for 3/10/2021.
5. Need to mentor nurse practitioners to fulfill leadership roles. 

The meeting was then adjourned.

Respectively submitted.

Maretta Yoder, Secretary

February 20, 2020

Members in attendance:  Maria Circosta, Barbara Call, Amy Graham, Maretta Yoder, Erin Morris, Beth Poore-Bowman, Sue Klassen

NP Students in attendance:  Kymber Beers, Heather Codding

Meeting Location:  Rocktown Kitchen, Harrisonburg Virginia

Business Meeting: Future Meeting Dates and Topics

April 16, 2020 will be at Montpelier restaurant in Harrisonburg. Speaker:  Grayce Kim – Pharmacist with Gilead Sciences. Topic: “Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease State Overview.”

Additional 2020 Meetings:  9/17/2020 and 11/19/2020

Erin Morris shared that she is stepping down as President. Maria Circosta will move into this role effective immediately.

Topics for future meetings were discussed:

1. Dr. Domingus – Motivational Interviewing
2. Dr. Kent Folsom – X-ray lectures
3. Dr. Schofield, Cardiologist – Lifestyle medication
4. Dr. Martin, Rheumatologist – Lupus

Adjourned

Respectively submitted – Maretta Yoder, Secretary

VCNP-Shenandoah Region

November 2019 Meeting Minutes

November 21, 2019

Members in attendance:  Maria Circosta, Barbara Call, Amy Graham, Chris Moore, Andrea Knopp, Kasey Saunders, Allison Chupp, Maretta Yoder, Vicky Sullivan, Mary Faith Dudley, Sharon Strang, Susan Adamson, Sarah Stowell 

NP Students in attendance:  Kymber Beers, Heather Codding, Cheryl Miller, Allison MonterroZo, Ashley Singleton, Emily Johnson, Crystal O’Connor, Sarah Gibson, Natalie Detrich

Meeting Location:  Taste of Thai Restaurant. Harrisonburg, VA.

Speaker:  Allison Chupp FNP discussed details regarding the start up and daily operations of her NP run health clinic, North Mountain Clinic in Broadway VA. 

Business Meeting:  

1.  Future meetings were discussed.  Further details TBD. 

-Dates tentatively set for 2/20/20, 4/16/2020, 9/24/2020, and 11/19/2020

• Maria Circosta shared information from the VCNP Board Meeting:

– Lynchburg and Charlottesville CME opportunities.

– Education regarding dangers of vaping.

– Further discussion about opioids and prescribing practices. 

-There was extensive discussion regarding autonomous practice.  There is frustration with the low number of NP’s in Virginia obtaining their license to practice independently- only 15% of eligible NP’s have obtained the licensure.  Eligible nurse practitioners are encouraged to apply for this license.  VCNP is willing to help members through the attestation process if needed.  VCNP is looking into targeting AANP members residing in Virginia for membership.

     -There was discussion about adding a student liaison to the board as a non-voting member,

       but details regarding their role and length of term need to be finalized. 

The meeting was then adjourned.

Respectively submitted.

Maretta Yoder, Secretary

VCNP-Shenandoah Region

September 2019 Meeting Minutes

September 19, 2019

In attendance:  Maria Circosta, Barbara Call, Monica Heck, Amy Graham, Erin Morris, Maretta Yoder, Sarah Stowell, Andrea Knopp, Kymber Beers, Rachel Talbot and Vicky Sullivan

Non-Members in attendance:  Julie Pierantoni RN-Diabetes educator

Meeting Location:  Montpelier Restaurant in Harrisonburg, VA

Meeting Topic:  Pharmacological Approaches to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Treatment

Speaker:  Joe Ogden:  Senior Medical Science Liaison for Sanofi

Business Meeting:  

1. Discussion about full practice authority.

• Discussion about residency issues and whether new NP’s should have requirements.

• Discussion about on-line nurse practitioner programs.

• Next Meeting:  11/21/2019:  Allison Chupp NP will discuss opening her own clinic.  Location:  Taste of Thai restaurant in Harrisonburg VA.  6 pm for social gathering with plans to start meeting and dinner at 6:30 PM. 

Respectively submitted.

Maretta Yoder, Secretary

VCNP-Shenandoah Region

April 2019 Meeting Minutes

April 18, 2019

Members in attendance:  Monica Heck, Erin Morris, Barbara Call, Diana Oddenino and Maretta Yoder

NP Students in attendance:  Sarah Gibson and Maria Circosta

Meeting Location:  Taste of Thai Restaurant. Harrisonburg, VA.

Business Meeting:  

1.  Future meetings were discussed. 

-9/19/19-sponsored by Sanofi Pharmaceutical.  Diabetes Management. 

Location:  Montpelier Restaurant in Harrisonburg, VA.

-11/21/19– Allison Chupp NP will speak about opening her own practice/clinic. 

Location:  TBD.

• Discussion regarding autonomous practice and the challenges associated with obtaining this licensure.  Several members have applied for and received independent practice. 

• Erin Morris, president, discussed multiple VCNP committees which the Shenandoah region still needs representation on.  Currently we only have the membership committee covered.  Diana Oddenino graciously agreed to sit on the public relations committee.  Thanks Diana!

• The group further discussed ways we could promote nurse practitioner’s in our region.  Ideas included:  more on-line exposure, daily news record articles, assistance of Jenny Hansborough with Sentara RMH, participation in local 5K’s, etc…

• Discussion continued regarding the on-going challenges in getting our local nurse practitioners involved in VCNP. 

• Diana Oddenino made a motion that the Shenandoah region board members would have their annual VCNP conference fee paid for by the region as a thanks for their service.  The motion received a second and passed unanimously.  This will begin starting 2020. 

The meeting was then adjourned.

Respectively submitted.

Maretta Yoder, Secretary

VCNP-Shenandoah Region

September 2018 Meeting Minutes

September 13, 2018

Members in attendance:  Chinor Fattahi, Maria Circosta, Susan Adamson, Barbara Call, Haley Tusing, Mary Atkins, Monica Heck, Andrea Knopp, Vicky Sullivan, Christine Yutzy, Lynne Eggert, Sue Klassen, Erin Morris, Maretta Yoder, Katelyn Marzolf, Victoria Krauss.

Meeting Location:  Bella Luna Restaurant, Harrisonburg, VA

Meeting Topic:  Jennifer Bryant, ACNP-BC, ACHPN presented a talk on “Palliative Care, Our Piece of the Puzzle.”  1.0 Contact hour of CME provided for participants.

Business Meeting:  

1. Minutes from the February 2018 meeting were approved.

2. Paige French was unable to attend the meeting, but sent an email reminder regarding the Legislative Meeting which will be held September 26, 2018 at the Augusta Health Community Care Building in Fishersville, VA.  Monica Heck NP graciously agreed to attend and will represent the Shenandoah Region.

3. President, Erin Morris, reminded members of the upcoming November elections for the Shenandoah Region.  All positions are open including President, President- elect, Treasurer, Secretary and Historian. An email will go out to members asking for nominations. Elections will be held during the business portion of the November 15, 2018 meeting in addition to an email ballot. Vicky Sullivan agreed to remain on the ballot for the Treasurer position.

4. Discussion regarding how new graduates can hear about our local group. Members were reminded that Nurse Practitioners and students wanting to obtain membership should go through the VCNP website. We also have a Facebook page.

5. It was brought to the group’s attention that our events are not consistently on the VCNP website. In addition, certain members have not been getting the email notifications.  Erin Morris will look into the issue of events not being published.  It was thought likely some members were not notified secondary to recent membership renewals, and perhaps not showing up as current members since their membership briefly lapsed.

6. Next meeting was discussed:

-11/15/18:  at Bella Luna.  Speaker:  Remma Zygerman, Pharmacist.  Exact topic has not been finalized.  Efforts will be made to obtain CME credit.

The meeting was then adjourned.

Respectively submitted.

Maretta Yoder, Secretary

VCNP-Shenandoah Region

February 2018 Meeting Minutes

February 15, 2018

Members in attendance:  Barbara Call, Erin Morris, Monica Heck, Maria Circosta NP student, Mary Atkins, Sheri Tratnack, Paige French, Maretta Yoder, Christine Yutzy, Vicky Sullivan, Chinor Fattahi, Jennifer Bryant, Mary Faith Dudley, Susan Adamson, Ambi Zeller-Hahn.

Meeting Location:  Taste of Thai Restaurant. Harrisonburg, VA.

Meeting Topic:  Sherri Tratnack NP presented a talk on Psychotropic medications in primary care:  How far should we go?

Business Meeting:

1. Minutes from the November 2017 meeting were approved.

2. Discussion regarding purchase of a projector and screen for use at our meetings.  Approximate cost of $175.00.  Consensus was to proceed with purchase. Maretta Yoder plans to purchase prior to our September 2018 meeting.

3. President, Erin Morris reminded us of the VCNP annual conference in March of 2018.  The Shenandoah region needs to provide a raffle basket with value of $150.00.  Erin will purchase the basket and Monica Heck agreed to deliver the basket to the conference.

4. Future meetings were discussed.

-4/19/18– will be sponsored by Sanofi Pharmaceuticals.  Venue to be determined.

-9/20/18-will be at Bella Luna.  Palliative Care from Sentara RMH will provide education.  Attempts will be made to get CE credits.

-11/15/18-will tentatively be at Bella Luna.  Speaker will be a pharmacist, Remma Zygerman.  She plans on further discussing mood stabilizers, antidepressants and antipsychotics.  Again, eff orts will be made to obtain CE credits.

-There was discussion regarding a summer meeting; however, it was felt that with everyone’s different schedules, there would likely be a low attendance.  For now, will continue with the 2 spring and 2 fall meetings.

5. There was a lengthy discussion regarding HB 793. President, Erin Morris reviewed the specifics of the bill.  Discussion revolved around concerns of how this would impact practice and whether we should be in favor or opposed to this bill.  There were opinions voiced on both sides.  Erin Morris has continued to relay our concerns to VCNP and has kept the Shenandoah members up to date on their responses.

6. Our next meeting will be on Thursday April 19, 2018.  The meal will be sponsored by Sanofi Pharmaceuticals.  Speaker and venue to be determined.

The meeting was then adjourned.

Respectively submitted.

Maretta Yoder, Secretary

VCNP-Shenandoah Region

November Meeting Minutes

November 9, 2017

Members in attendance: Cinor Fattahi, Ruth Holmaas, Tracy Seefried, Erin Morris, Sue Klassen, Diana Oddenino, Maretta Yoder, Monica Heck, Barbara Call, Susan Adamson

Meeting Location: Taste of Thai Restaurant, Harrisonburg VA.

Meeting Topic: Family Based Treatment for Adolescents with Eating Disorders. Speaker: Sue Klassen

Business Meeting:

1. Minutes from the September 2017 meeting were approved.

2. Members introduced themselves.

3. Susan Adamson, Membership Chair, announced that we currently have 69 members in the Shenandoah region, which is down about 10 members from last year this time.

4. Susan Adamson announced that she would need to step down as Membership Chair. This position requires 4-5 telephone meetings per year and these calls have moved to Wednesday nights, which doesn’t work with her schedule. In addition, it requires sending out reminders to local nurse practitioners if there membership drops. Monica Heck has graciously agreed to take over as membership chair.

5. President, Erin Morris reminded us that Ambi Zeller-Hahn is stepping down from her position on the legislative committee, effective January 1, 2018. This next year is going to be the biggest legislative push in the past decade for full independent practice. We are looking for a member to take on this committee position.

6. Erin Morris also informed us that there are legislative packets available if we visit any of our legislatures- the state organization wants to know who we are visiting. Members were encouraged to see Erin Morris if they had questions or wanted to receive packets.

7. Ms. Morris also reminded members that if there are exciting things happening in our places of employment or in our region to let her know so that this can be highlighted in the State newsletter.

8. Erin also mentioned that our region does not currently have any signage. These signs are helpful to put out at restaurants or local events. There was unanimous agreement to pursue purchasing a sign. Erin Morris will look into the cost.

9. Erin announced that if anyone is interested in running for state elections to let her know. The state board is always looking for more candidates.

10. Next meetings tentatively planned for February 15, 2018 and April 19, 2018. Maretta Yoder will work on speaker and venue.

The meeting was then adjourned.

Respectively submitted.

Maretta Yoder, Secretary