The local board met for a meeting 1/27/16 to discuss our goals for the Fredericksburg group in 2016 and discuss planning long range events.

We will be hosting our “After the Holidays” gathering for all our Fredericksburg VCNP members on 2/20/16 at the Idlewild clubhouse, 2280 Idlewild Blvd in Fredericksburg.  All members are invited and encouraged to bring another member, student, or a potential future member to the party.  We hope to host at least 30 people.  Basilico will be catering.

We discussed our desire to be more involved with philanthropy projects in the future.  Please bring any and all ideas for possible organizations we could contribute to in some way in 2016 to the post holiday gathering as well!  We can brainstorm and tentatively plan some future projects/donations.

Our legislative chair updated us on the NP bills that are going before the VA General Assembly.  There are 5 NP bills that will be introduced concerning the collaborative practice agreement requirement in VA.  Full support of these bills by all members is important and has included emails that could be forwarded to legislators.

Discussion was held regarding how often we should have Fredericksburg Region VCNP meetings.  They have been held every month for the past few years because of the large number of pharmaceutical reps that were interested in hosting and speaking with NPs.  The reps who are able to do this have dwindled, and there was discussion of whether we should pay for our own meals and have a business meeting, whether we could apply for CE’s again and pay for our meals, or whether our limited number of reps could host a meeting, provide the meal and give a sponsored lecture.  Discussion was held regarding continuing monthly meetings during the year and taking the summer off.  We will discuss and vote at our next planned meeting whether to continue meeting with sponsored meals and lectures every other month.

The treasurer reported we now have consolidated our checking, savings and CD into one account.  We have enough money to host the holiday gathering, discuss yearly philanthropy projects and plan another local CE conference possibly for May of next year.

Submitted 2/1/16 JPSF

Updates from the Richmond Region

We’ve had a very busy fall here in the Richmond Region!!!

On October 17th the Richmond Region held the 11th Annual Pharmacology Conference. This has been an

outstanding service project for all NPs in the state as all were invited to attend.

We had the following topics and speakers:

Updates on antibiotics by Dr. James Brooks

Dermatology by Lynne McElroy, NP

Non-insulin Management of Type II DM by Dr. Sonja Fredrickson

Safe Prescribing Practices of Narcotics by Cynthia Straub, NP

Anxiolytics by Sean Convoy, DNP

Newest Treatments in Hepatitis C by Cynthia Solomon, NP

This was an excellent conference enabling NPs to obtain 6.25 pharmacology CEs.

We had our legislative Reception at Old City Bar on 10/20/15. It was hosted by Kevin Brigle,

Government Relations Chair, for the Richmond Region. The room was jam packed with several RNs,

NPs, and legislators. It was very effective in meeting our legislators and updating them on what we

would like to see in healthcare moving forward and what is needed to improve patient access to care.

We placed two billboards on route 195 and route 64 west honoring nurse practitioners for the work

they do on week of the NP, November 9-13th .

Lastly, we have 2 dinner meetings per month, 1 each month during the holidays. We have raised funds

so far for the American Cancer Society, Multiple Sclerosis, and we are currently raising funds for

Crossover Healthcare ministries.

The Fredericksburg Region hosted a successful legislative reception on October 5, 2015.

Senator Bryce Reeves, Senator Stuart’s legislative assistant Dale Herndon, Delegate Bill Howell, Delegate Buddy Fowler, CEO of Mary Washington Hospital Mike McDermott, Douglas Shulte, MD and the VCNP lobbyist Richard Grossman were there with about 40 advanced practice nurses to discuss access to care and barriers to healthcare access.

The Fredericksburg Region presented a free conference for it’s members on November 7, 2015.  Local speakers were: Cherie Wright, NP on Sleep apnea and insomnia, John House, NP on Hepatitis C, Dr Michael Bias Smith on pain management and palliative care, and Sherry Hayes on aortic stenosis.

The next VCNP conference is in March 9-12, 2016 at the Homestead in Warm Springs VA.  Make your room reservations now for lower prices.

The new VCNP website is up and running.  (Which is obvious if you are reading this!)

NPs are still working on aspects of prescriptive authority.

Republicans maintain control of the senate.

The Fredericksburg region has 68 members.

Consider volunteering to be on the board- bring your new ideas and energy!

The next meeting is at The Mercantile on William Street 12/14/15.

We considered having a holiday party.  After discussion, February was a better month to gather for a post-holiday party.  We will discuss possible locations, dates and times a the next meetings.

Submitted 11/15/15 JPSF