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Raquel Ramos of Yale University School of Nursing is One of Five Awardees for Health Equity Work![]() A nurse researcher in Connecticut who leverages eHealth and community engagement to enhance cardiovascular health equity in gay and bisexual men with HIV is one of five recipients of the inaugural Equity-Minded Nurse Awards from the AARP Center for Health Equity Through NursingSM and the Future of Nursing: Campaign for Action, an initiative of AARP Foundation, AARP and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation that is building a healthier America through nursing. The awards are part of the Campaign’s work to implement the goals of the National Academy of Medicine report, the Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity, which explores nursing’s pivotal role in advancing health equity. The awards are given in five categories (Educator, Researcher, Leader, Practice, Rising Star) and each is generously co-sponsored by a national nursing organization. The awardees receive a $1,000 prize each and paid travel to and recognition at the AARP Health Equity and Nursing Summit: Turning Commitments into Action, in Washington, DC. S. Raquel Ramos, PhD, MSN, MBA, Yale University School of Nursing, West Haven, Connecticut, received the Equity-Minded Nurse Research Award. Co-sponsored by the American Academy of Nursing, this award recognizes a nurse researcher whose scholarship advances the science and the body of knowledge that advances health equity. The research or scholarship of this award should be or have the potential to be disseminated widely as best or promising practices. Ramos’ research examines how user-centered design and technology-driven, behavioral interventions can enhance cardiovascular health equity in sexual minority men of color with HIV and at risk of HIV-related comorbid conditions. As a protocol nurse for the Multicenter AIDS cohort study, the longest running study on the life course of HIV in gay and bisexual men, Ramos observed the connection between HIV and cardiovascular disease risk. A nurse educator in Maryland who centers health equity in classroom innovations and program implementation.
A nurse practitioner in Wisconsin who thrives on solving big issues that patients face by using nurse-created and inspired solutions. A nurse scientist in Texas passionate about ensuring that research evidence translates into policy and practice to support health equity for communities of color and those affected by trauma and substance use. A nurse educator in Kentucky whose 30-plus year career has focused on community engagement to advance health equity. A nurse researcher in Connecticut who leverages eHealth and community engagement to enhance cardiovascular health equity in gay and bisexual men with HIV. These five accomplished nurses are the recipients of the inaugural Equity-Minded Nurse Awards from the AARP Center for Health Equity Through NursingSM and the Future of Nursing: Campaign for Action, an initiative of AARP Foundation, AARP and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation that is building a healthier America through nursing. The awards are part of the Campaign’s work to implement the goals of the National Academy of Medicine report, the Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity, which explores nursing’s pivotal role in advancing health equity. The awards are given in five categories and each is generously co-sponsored by a national nursing organization. The winners will receive a $1,000 prize each and paid travel to and recognition at the AARP Health Equity and Nursing Summit: Turning Commitments into Action, in Washington, DC, Oct. 31-Nov. 1. The honorees are:
To Learn more about the awards, View AARP Website ![]() The numbers leave little doubt that attention and systemic actions are required to address the nursing workforce challenges in Connecticut. In 2022, Connecticut reported 89,819 active licenses for Registered Nurses, but only about half that number -45,014- are actively employed in a nursing capacity in Connecticut. This is according to a just-completed analysis by the CTData Collaborative and The CT Center for Nursing Workforce, Inc. in September 2023. Nursing is the single largest job category within the field of healthcare. Licensed nurses provide high-quality, safe, and compassionate care within hospitals, long-term care facilities, homecare settings, and schools, as well as within community-based agencies throughout Connecticut. It is imperative that Connecticut adopt data-driven strategies to inform programming and innovative solutions to support a robust and sustainable nursing workforce to meet the healthcare needs of all Connecticut residents. It is easy to assume that with more than 89,000 licensed Registered Nurses (RNs), Connecticut has more than a sufficient number of RNs to handle the increased need for care due to the aging of the Connecticut population and anything else that comes our way. Yet, we now understand, conclusively, that assumption would be wrong. That is not the only alarm bell ringing. The data indicates that of the working RNs totaling 51,154, the age range comprises five generations from ages 20 to 96, with a median age of 47; and that 46% of the working RNs are 50 years and older. The largest age group of working RNs is between 30-39 at 23% or 11,626; followed by 22% between the ages of 50-59; and most alarming, is that only 11% of the total pool of employed RNs are between the ages of 20-29. Connecticut does not have nearly the number of younger nurses needed to replace those who will be retiring within this decade. The Connecticut Center for Nursing Workforce, Inc. (CCNW) was engaged in numerous state and national activities that took place over the past fiscal year. Due to a strong commitment by the CCNW Board of Directors, Council of Deans & Directors, Healthcare Simulation Network of Connecticut (HSNCT), and Staff & Nurse Consultants; CCNW was able to innovate, coordinate, and impact the nursing workforce in Connecticut and across the country.
![]() Wednesday, September 27th at 12:00pm ET Free webinar, registration required With the proposal of a historic federal staffing mandate for nursing homes, many are looking at caps on agency staffing to level the playing field for recruiting nurses and aides. However, even if new legislation passes in your state, it won't take effect overnight, nor will it provide a cure-all for the staffing issues plaguing our industry. In fact, introducing rate caps in the midst of a federal staffing mandate may create a whole new set of challenges. In this timely webinar, we will assess the current landscape of rate caps, their potential impact on your facility, and provide actionable strategies for maintaining adequate staffing levels without overpaying agencies. Register for this webinar to learn:
![]() The Connecticut Center for Nursing Workforce, Inc. (CCNW) is so very proud to introduce the Officers and Members of the CCNW Board of Directors for 2023-24. This esteemed group of nursing and healthcare professionals is one of the most diverse boards ever to be assembled representing leaders from academe and practice, medicine, non-profit management and seasoned healthcare stakeholders. The professional accomplishments both individually and collectively will help propel the organization forward by identifying organizational goals which will then inform the creation of a new strategic plan for 2023-25. The nominations process was totally transformed to adopt best-practice Board Policies and Practices led by the previous Board Chair, Dr. Lisa Sundean. The process began with conducting a gap analysis of talents, skills and competencies; identifying healthcare and nursing leaders that could fill these gaps; connecting with individuals to apply for open board positions; conducting interviews with candidates to determine competencies and "fit"; as well as, to secure their commitment and active engagement with the CCNW and its mission that is to foster collaborations to ensure a highly educated, diverse, and sustainable nursing workforce to support the healthcare needs of Connecticut residents. Meet our leadership team! The RN and LPN data were extracted from the 2022 Connecticut Nurse Licensure System Dataset collected by the CT Department of Public Health. The data was collected through the online NurSys Annual Licensing Database using the Minimum Data Set for Nursing Supply, created by the National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers. CCNW and CTData are excited to highlight findings from this comprehensive dataset, its implications for Connecticut, and key recommendations to ensure that Connecticut establishes a robust and sustainable nursing workforce. This data story focuses on nurses who are licensed in Connecticut and who are actively working in the state.
Notes about the Minimum Data Set for Nursing Supply data:
CCNW's 43rd Annual RN STUDENT DAY
Register today for the CCNW 43rd Annual RN Student Day to be held on November 7, 2023 at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington, CT. $55 per person. This day was planned especially for YOU! Our full-day event providing breakfast and a sit-down lunch offers RN students the opportunity for professional development and networking to positively position yourself for a successful career in nursing! Registrations can be coordinated in TWO ways:
Workshop - How Burnt-Out Healthcare Leaders Can Reclaim Their Personal Life Without Feeling Guilty9/5/2023 2-hour workshop entitled How Burnt-Out Healthcare Leaders Can Reclaim Their Personal Life Without Feeling Guilty. 2 ANCC continuing education credits. The cost is $97.00 including workbook.
Healthcare leader this is your chance to overcome burnout, advance at work in the face of adversity, and have a thriving personal life. If you’re like most healthcare leaders, we work with you’re a high achiever and a servant leader too. You want to make a positive lasting impact, so you keep pushing through each day and giving more and more attention to your work responsibilities because you don’t want to fail or let anyone down, but you end up sacrificing your personal life and feeling less and less effective every day. Last month the National Fund hosted the Frontline Focused: Building a Thriving and Equitable Workplace in-person session to close out CareerSTAT’s recent webinar series focused on recruiting and retaining untapped talent, such as immigrants and refugees, people with conviction records, and other under-serviced populations. This intimate, two-day meeting brought together healthcare employers and workforce practitioners to explore ways to create change in their organizations.
Attendees were enthusiastic to get to work and were eager to learn, share, and connect with their peers. The energy in the room was that of hope, respect, and a commitment to develop a truly thriving workforce for healthcare workers. Integrating Population Health Competencies into Practice, Academia, and the Nursing Workforce Webinar on October 26, 2023, 2:00-3:00 pm (ET), will feature guest speakers: Marcia B. Proto, MEd, CAS, Executive Director, Connecticut Center for Nursing Workforce, Inc. and Catherine E. Johnson, PhD, RN, CNE, APHN-BC, RA, CPH, Assistant Professor in Nursing, Pacific College of Health and Sciences. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from these two nursing workforce leaders. Webinar Details Learn more about population health initiatives deployed across the state of Connecticut from 2021-2023 in the areas of practice, academia, and the nursing workforce. Discover programs and strategies that can help to accelerate local efforts to meet population health needs. Objectives:
Can't make the webinar? Watch the recording of the webinar, available soon after the webinar airs. Visit AACN's On-Demand Webinars to watch.
The webinar with Drs. Marilyn H. Oermann and Jennie De Gagne, A Few Best Practices for Teaching in Nursing, is now available for you to watch! CCNW support the CT Nurses’ Association 2023 Legislative Agenda. Kim Sandor and her team have done a great job to identify the key issues to promote during this year’s legislative session! It is amazing that all of the CCNW initiatives fall into the “priority” list for the state! To view the more information, please follow this link:
https://ctnurses.org/page-18287 Although CCNW received notification in May 2023 that our proposal was NOT funded…. for the first time… CCNW submitted a proposal as the sole lead applicant!!! This was a Federal DOL Grant to Support Nurse Expansion by Preparing Nurses to become Instructors and Educators through providing free tuition for our online faculty-led courses and funding for academic-practice Joint Appointments. During the 60-month grant period, CCNW requested $2.8 million for:
Addressed the Aging of CT’s Nursing Workforce through Data Gathering and Analysis- Gained insights into understanding the CT Nursing Workforce by utilizing the national Minimum Data Sets for EDUCATION and SUPPLY. The Minimum Data Sets (MDSs) are created by the National FORUM of State Nursing Workforce Centers.
Once again, CCNW was a lead sponsor of the National FORUM of State Nursing Workforce Center’s Annual Conference that took place in Washington, DC on June 12-14, 2023. For the third year, Marcia Proto was an integral member of the Conference Planning Committee securing sponsors for the national event, as well as confirming Rebecca Love to be the keynote speaker of the Conference. In addition, CCNW continued its five-year tradition of being podium presenters.
On April 5, 2023 CCNW hosted our Statewide Nursing & Healthcare Workforce Summit on ground at the Aqua Turf Club, Plantsville, CT!
Marcia Proto, Executive Director of the CCNW, attended a 2-day Retreat for Executive Directors of Nursing Workforce Centers across the country hosted by the National FORUM of State Nursing Workforce Centers on January 9-11, 2023.
CCNW received $300,000 in funding from the Eva Sterns Faulkner Foundation to create an online faculty led Full-Time Nurse Faculty Preparation Course to support the development of well-prepared nursing faculty. The Course offers 6 weeks of faculty-led coursework and (6) hours of Coaching support during the semester.
The State of Hawaii, through the efforts of the Hawaii Nursing Workforce Center, utilized CCNW’s Part-Time Clinical Nurse Faculty Preparation Course and covered tuition for (39) practicing nurses to participate in our online faculty-led course. The nurses began the course on January 9, 2023.
CCNW is committed to providing “value added” education opportunities to Connecticut nurses and held (4) successful Professional Development “Lunch & Learn Webinar Series” in 2023.
CCNW’s Statewide Nursing Student Clinical Placement System gets a HUGE boost as Hartford Healthcare Corporation (HHC) standardizes the Clinical Placement Process at (10) of its healthcare facilities for the Spring 2023 Semester!
In 2023, CCNW received news from the State of Connecticut and the Regional Workforce Development Boards! The Connecticut Attorney General signed off on (2) statewide Contracts in which CCNW will use its expertise to support statewide nursing workforce pipeline development efforts:
There is a Connecticut state-wide program that needs nurses to work in (per diem/on-call). The Gail Burns-Smith Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners (SAFE) Program is both a response program and a training program. As a response program, it provides specially trained sexual assault forensic examiners to participating hospitals for the purpose of providing care and the collection of evidence for patients, ages 13 and older, who report sexual assault.
Trainings scheduled for Fall 2023. For more information, please go to: https://www.jud.ct.gov/crimevictim/safeprogram.htm For information on how to apply, please contact: Denise S. Covington, MBA, MSN, RN, SANE-A Program Manager Gail Burns-Smith Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners Program Denise.Covington@jud.ct.gov What is a Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner? A Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) is a health care provider who has completed specialized education and clinical preparation enabling them to conduct knowledgeable and skilled medical-forensic exams, ensure the integrity, preservation, and documentation of forensic evidence, and testify knowledgeably in court. What are the qualifications to become a SAFE?
What is the scope of practice for a SAFE?
What is the training to become a SAFE?
Is the SAFE Training Program accredited?
What is the time commitment to take the SAFE Training Program? The didactic portion of the course is 6 days in length. Classes are held two days per week for three consecutive weeks. Content experts teach on the various required curriculum topics.
The Fall 2023 Training will be announced in early Spring. Please check this webpage later for updates. What is a medical-forensic exam? A medical-forensic exam is a comprehensive exam with several components:
Will I be paid for my services as a SAFE? For state fiscal year 2022-2023, the following reimbursement rates have been established for new Program SAFEs: · On-Call
For more information, visit https://endsexualviolencect.org/safe-program/ |
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