Serve on a task force - networking with ambulatory care nurses from across the country can be very rewarding!

The American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing (AAACN) occasionally invites members to assist the association in meeting their goals by volunteering to serve on a task force. Members are informed of new volunteer opportunities via email as new projects and initiatives are established. Work is accomplished via conference calls, screen sharing platforms, and email.

ONGOING TASK FORCES

Nurse-Sensitive Indicator Industry Report Revision Task Force

Purpose

NSIThe Nurse-Sensitive indicator Industry Report (NSI) articulates the value of nursing’s contributions by measuring elements of patient care and patient outcomes that are directly affected by nursing practice. They can be measures that reflect structure and process of care such as volume, RN demographics, and staffing metrics. The identification and measurement of NSIs is critical in describing the contributions and value of RNs in ambulatory care settings.

AAACN has commissioned a new Task Force to revise the original NSI Industry Report published in 2016 to include changes and progress on industry, NSIs, and meaningful benchmarking and strategies for enculturation into nursing practice in ambulatory to date.

Leadership

Co-Chair/Co-Editors
Rebecca Dellefave, BSN, RN, MS
Rachel Start, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN
Ann Marie Matlock, RN, DNP, NE-BC
 
Board Liaison
Rachel Start, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN

Members
Beth Beck, BSN, RN, CMSRN, CCCTM
Elizabeth Carreira, MSBA, BSN, RN, OCN, NE-BC, CPPS
Nancy Dunton, RN, PhD
Jami Falk, MS, RN-BSN, CNML, COR
Annette Hamlin, MSN Ed, AMB-BC, RN
Sara Kollman, DNP, RN, NE-BC
Gregory Kopp, MN, MHA, AMB-BC, CENP
Stephanie Martinez, MBA, BSN, RN, CPHQ
Molly Moran, CCRN, MSN, RN
Rebecca Newman, MS, RN, CPN
Jaclyn Schindler, MPH, PMC, FNP-BC, RN-BC
Maj Yessenia Sinclair, USAF, NC, AMB-BC, MHA, MBA
Robin Walsh, RN, BSN

Subject Matter Experts:
Teresa Anderson, EdD, MSN, RN, NE-BC
Mary Blankson, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, FAAN
Heather Bogrett, MSN, AMB-BC
Deborah Cantlin, MSN, RN, CHFN
Jeff Doucette, DNP, RN, FACHE, NEA-BC, FAAN
Kathy Ferket
Deena Gilland, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN
Rebecca Graystone, MS, MBA, RN, NE-BC
Maureen Lal
Rebecca Love
Nancy May, DNP, AMB-BC, NEA-BC, FAAN
LTC Leilani A.C.LG Siaki, PhD, FNP-BC, FAANP
Marsha Pike, DNP, CNS
Leah Shever-Doletzky, PhD, RN
Traci Solt, DNP, FACHE, NEA-BC
Beth Ann Swan, PhD, CRNP, FAAN
Nora E. Warshawsky, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, CNE, FAAN
Cynthia Wilson, MSN, RN
Stephanie Witwer, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN

Rebecca Alley, BSN, RN, MS
Rebecca Dellefave, BSN, RN, MS

Rachel Start, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN
Rachel Start, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN
Ann Marie Matlock, RN, DNP, NE-BC
Ann Marie Matlock, RN, DNP, NE-BC

Preceptor Guide for Ambulatory Care Nursing Revision Task Force

Purpose

Book & pencilThe original Preceptor Guide for Ambulatory Care Nursing was published in 2017 by a workgroup from the Patient/Staff Education Special Interest Group (SIG), after they determined that there were not many written guides for developing an ambulatory care nursing preceptor program. They also identified the need for a tool that would assist ambulatory care nurses in translating the Ambulatory Care Nursing Orientation and Competency Assessment Guide into practice.

It is important to stay relevant as health care continues to advance in both primary and specialty care. The original Preceptor Guide needs to be reviewed to determine what updates are needed at this time.

This Task Force will update and revise the Preceptor Guide for Ambulatory Care Nursing and create the 2nd edition.

Members

Chair/Editor
Sara Kollman, DNP, RN, NE-BC

Board Liaison
Cara Spencer, PhD, RN, FNP-BC

Members
Celeste Fisher, RN, MPH, NE-BC
Carin Hotelling, MSN, RN, CEN, CPEN, CCRN-K, TCRN, CHSE
Erin Nicol, LPN
Marilyn Ostendorf, DNP, RN
Linda Parsons, MSN, RN, NPD-BC
Robin Pleshaw, MSN, RN, AMB-BC
Lori Stroud, RN, AMB-BC
Dedria Sowder, MSN, RN, AMB-BC CPN
Elizabeth Young, MSN, RN, PHN

Sara Kollman, DNP, RN, NE-BC
Sara Kollman, DNP, RN, NE-BC

Role of the RN in Ambulatory Care Nursing Position Statement and Paper Revision Task Force

Purpose

In 2011, AAACN published the first-ever position statement regarding the role of the registered nurse (RN) in ambulatory care. Since that time, tremendous changes have occurred in healthcare, especially in ambulatory care.

Healthcare reform, the Affordable Care Act, the implementation of care coordination as a strategy to improve health and prevent rehospitalization, and the transition from volume-based to value-based care has resulted in an increased focus on the ambulatory care setting as the site of health care provision now and in the future.

This position paper reflects the current state of ambulatory care and the crucial role of the RN as a care provider, care coordinator, and care partner. It also highlights potential role changes and adaptations for the future.

AAACN is forming a Task Force to review and update the Role of the RN in Ambulatory Care Nursing Position Statement and Paper.

Leadership

Chair
Aleesa Mobley, PhD, RN, ANP-BC, CPHQ

Co-Chair
Jean Bernhardt, PhD, MSN, NEA-BC, CNP

Board Liaison/Advisor
Stephanie Witwer, PhD RN NEA-BC FAAN

Task Force Members
Tera Bartelt, MS, RN
Deborah Cantlin, MSN, RN, CHFN
Amanda Huff, BSN, RN, OCN
Anne Jessie, DNP, RN
Cynthia Painter-Press, RN, MSN, NEA-BC
Terri White, RN, MSN
Calli Wood, MSN-Ed, RN, NPD-BC

Aleesa Mobley, PhD, RN, ANP-BC, CPHQ
Aleesa Mobley, PhD, RN, ANP-BC, CPHQ
Jean Bernhardt, PhD, MSN, NEA-BC, CNP
Jean Bernhardt, PhD, MSN, NEA-BC, CNP

Workplace Safety Task Force

Workplace Safety

Purpose

Workplace violence toward nurses is an increasingly prevalent issue. The occurrence of violence toward healthcare workers is higher than in most professions and has only increased throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to the American Nurses Association, one in four nurses is assaulted on the job. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that healthcare workers and those who work in social services are five times more likely to experience workplace violence than other workers.

AAACN formed the Workplace Safety Task Force to develop resources to educate members on the topic of ambulatory care workplace safety and violence prevention methods.

Leadership

Chair
Dawn Fletcher, DNP, NEA-BC, RN

Co-Chair
Beth Sparks, RN, MSN, CNML

Board Liaison
Capt. Andrea Petrovanie-Green, MSN, RN, AMB-BC

Task Force Members
Sean Austin, MSN, RN, CEN, EMT
Michelle Fernamberg, DNP, MHA, RN
Kelsey Loehr, RN
Jennifer McMullen, MS, RN, AGCNS-BC
John C. Murphy, RN, DNP
Leslie Pihlstrom, RN
Catima Potter, MPH

Dawn Fletcher, DNP, NEA-BC, RN
Dawn Fletcher, DNP, NEA-BC, RN
Beth Sparks, RN, MSN, CNML
Beth Sparks, RN, MSN, CNML

COMPLETED TASK FORCES

The Task Forces below have completed their work. We greatly appreciate their important contributions to AAACN!

Academic-Practice Partnerships Guidelines Task Force

Purpose

AAACN recognized the need to create a pipeline to practice for nurses in ambulatory care settings. A looming nursing shortage, historical exclusion of ambulatory care as a clinical learning setting in academia, and the need to educate, inform, and foster RNs working to top of license in all ambulatory care settings has created a critical demand to develop strategies to increase the number of informed and empowered ambulatory care RNs.

Best Practice Guidelines for Academic and Practice Partnerships in Ambulatory and Community SettingsThis Task Force developed the Best Practice Guidelines for Academic and Practice Partnerships in Ambulatory and Community Settings, which provides comprehensive guidance in initiating and sustaining partnerships that establish a pipeline of competent nurses prepared to practice in ambulatory care settings.

This publication highlights five distinct sections to guide the development of Academic Practice Partnerships, from the initial stages of assessing readiness and establishing the partnership to the actual placement of students or developing nurse residency programs.

Each section features guideline recommendations based on literature review, theme identification, and subject matter experts’ survey response.

Learn More, View, or Purchase

Leadership

Co-Chairs
Jessie Jones-Bell, MSN Ed., RN, PHN
Laurel More, MS, RN, CPN

Board Liaison
Chris Ruygrok, MBA, AMB-BC

Team Leads
Diana Alemar, MSN, RN-BC, NEA-BC, CNL
Caroline Coburn, DNP, MS, ANP-BC
Mary DiGiulio, DNP, APN, FAANP
Stephanie Witwer, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN

Task Force Members
Susan Antol, PhD, MS, RN
Tia Bell, DNP
Stephanie Bilskis, BSN, RN, MSM, MBA
Vanessa DeBiase, MSN, MEd, RN
Mary Donnelly, ACNP-BC, ANP-BC, CNL
Elizabeth Fritz, MSN, RN-BC
Annette Hamlin, RN-BC, MSN Ed
Anne McLeod, RN, DNP
Nancy Weaver Parker, MSN, RN, PHN, CNL
Linda Parsons, MSN, RN
Portia Zaire, BSN, MSNEd, RN-CCCTM

Jessie Jones-Bell, MSN Ed., RN, PHN
Jessie Jones-Bell, MSN Ed., RN, PHN
Laurel More, MS, RN, CPN
Laurel More, MS, RN, CPN

Ambulatory Care Nursing Scope and Standards Revision Task Force

Purpose

Ambulatory care nursing practice is in a constant state of change and the Scope and Standards of Practice must be updated to reflect the changes.

This Task Force has updated and revised the Scope and Standards of Practice for Professional Ambulatory Care Nursing, 9th Edition, and created the 10th edition. New content specific to social determinants of health, health equity, and updated conceptual model are a critical part of ambulatory care practice and are reflected in the updated scope and standards document.

The new Scope and Standards of Practice for Professional Ambulatory Care Nursing, 10th Edition, is now available for purchase in our store.

Leadership

Edtrina Moss, PhD, RN, AMB-BC, NE-BC, CLSSGB, Chair/Editor
Cynthia L. Murray, BN, RN, AMB-BC, Co-Chair, Co-Editor, Advisor, Board Liaison
Dawn Vonderheide, DNP, MSN, RN, AMB-BC, NE-BC, Co-Chair, Co-Editor
CAPT Andrea Petrovanie-Green, RN, MSN, AMB-BC, Advisor

Task Force Members/Authors

Peter DiPiazza, DNP, APRN, BC-FNP
Jami Falk, MS, RN-BSN, CNML
Janice Fortman, MSN, BA, RN, AMB-BC
Leslie K. Morris, DNP, RN, AMB-BC, NPD-BC
Marygrace E. Phillips, MSN, RN, AMB-BC
Leslie Pihlstrom, RN
Karla M. Schroeder, DNP, RN, ANP-BC, MHA, NE-BC

Contributors (Representatives from Concurrent AAACN Projects)
Julie Alban, DNP, MPH, AMB-BC, CCCTM
Chair, AAACN's Care Coordination and Transition Management Course Evaluation Assessment Task Force
 
Tabitha Anglea, MSN, RN, CCCTM, AMB-BC, CCRN-K, LNC
Co-Chair, AAACN's Telephone Triage Online Course Task Force
 
Amy Cadoret, MHA, MSN, NEA-BC, AMB-BC
Kimberly Regis, DNP, RN, PNP-BC
Co-Chairs, AAACN's DEI Task Force
 
Patrick Turpin, MSN, CNS
Chair, AAACN's RN Residency White Paper Review and Update Task Force

Reviewers
Michele Cavallaro, DNP, RN
Mary DiGiulio, DNP, ANP-BC, GNP-BC, FAANP
Amy Eilertsen, MN, RN
Kristene K. Grayem, APRN, MSN, AMB-BC
Daniele Hill, MSN, RN, CCCTM
Sierra Kane, MSN, RN, CNL, AMB-BC, DNC
Kathryn Koehne, DNP, AMB-BC, C-TNP
Margaret Mastal, PhD, MSN, RN
Kathy Mertens, DNP, MPH, RN
Aleesa M. Mobley, PhD, RN, ANP-BC, CPHQ
Courtney Monterusso, BSN, RN, FNS
Charlene Platon, MS, RN, FNP-BC
Lynette Sandiford, DNP, RN, AMB-BC, PHN, CENP
Assanatu I. Savage, PhD, DNP, FNP-BC, AMB-BC, CDR, NC, USN (Ret)
Julie Tisnado, MSN, RN, CNRN
Jamie Vik, DNP, RN, FNP, NEA-BC
Raquel Wright, DNP, MBA, RN, AMB-BC

Edtrina Moss, PhD, AMB-BC, NE-BC, CLSSGB
Dawn Vonderheide, DNP, RN, AMB-BC, NE-BC
Edtrina Moss, PhD, AMB-BC, NE-BC, CLSSGB
Edtrina Moss, PhD, AMB-BC, NE-BC, CLSSGB

CCTM Course Evaluations Assessment Task Force

Purpose

Here and thereCoordinating patient care and managing patient transitions are crucial parts of the role of the registered nurse (RN). AAACN supports the practice of care coordination and transition management (CCTM) with resources designed to enhance your practice.

AAACN’s Care Coordination and Transition Management (CCTM) Course, based on the CCTM Core Curriculum, was designed to empower you to apply evidence-based content to your practice.

This Task Force conducted a thematic analysis of the CCTM Course evaluations in the Online Library, and provided a summary of findings and provide recommendations for revisions to the next version of the CCTM Course.

Leadership

Chair
Julie Alban, DNP, MPH, AMB-BC, CCCTM

Board Liaison
Cynthia Murray, BN, RN, AMB-BC

Task Force Members
Janet Dobrzyn, MSN, RN, CPHQ, CHP
Sarah Whalen Espin, MSN, AMB-BC, VHA-CM
Patricia Fioravanti, MS, BSN, RN, CCM
Amy Fulwood, MSN, AMB-BC, VHA-CM
Karen Pause-Meeks, MSN, RN, AMB-BC

Julie Alban, DNP, MPH, AMB-BC, CCCTM
Julie Alban, DNP, MPH, AMB-BC, CCCTM

Registered Nurse Residency White Paper Review and Update Task Force

Purpose

The Ambulatory Care Registered Nurse Residency White Paper was reviewed by the RN Residency White Paper Review and Update Task Force in 2022. The Task Force determined that the content of the paper is still relevant and useful, and developed a prologue to enhance the utility of the paper. The prologue, inserted into the beginning of the paper, provides guidance to any professional looking to incorporate an ambulatory care nurse residency program into their facility.

The prologue confirms the significance of the Ambulatory Care Registered Nurse Residency White Paper, as well as highlights current dilemmas of nurses working to incorporate these programs. It offers advice on how to potentially obtain funding for start-up, and provides a network of facilities that have successfully created and sustained ambulatory care nursing residency programs and have generously made themselves available to be contacted with related questions and concerns.

Ambulatory nurse residency programs are the standard for nurses to be successful in the ever-critical setting of ambulatory care. This prologue provides a current avenue for facilities to build a successful and sustainable program.

View the Updated RN Residency White Paper

Leadership

Chair
Patrick Turpin, MSN, CNS

Board Liaison
Assanatu I. Savage, PhD, DNP, FNP-BC, AMB-BC, CDR, NC, USN (Ret)

Advisor
Evy Olson, MSN, MBA, RN

Task Force Members
Jared Caron, BSN, RN-BC
Kim Giles, DNP, RN
Leslie Hazle, MSN, RN
Laurel More, MS, RN, CPN
Christina Watwood, BSN, RN, MHA-MPH
Terri White, MSN, RN
Tamara Zurakowski, PhD, GNP-BC

Patrick Turpin, MSN, CNS
Patrick Turpin, MSN, CNS

Telephone Triage Course Task Force

Purpose

The AAACN vision of telehealth nursing practice (TNP) has expanded from the initial telephone triage to telehealth nursing to accommodate changes in practice. However, telephone triage remains a current and significant form of telehealth nursing as it is practiced today. Since 2014, our members have been requesting education and training resources to support TNP, and at that time 67.7% of respondents were practicing telephone triage/advice. 

The Telephone Triage as Professional Nursing Practice course, provides in-depth and comprehensive education in telephone triage through the AAACN Online Library.

Leadership

Co-Chairs
Tabitha Anglea, MSN, RN, CCRN-K, LNC
Elizabeth Wright, MBA, BSN, RN, AMB-BC

Advisor
Carol Rutenberg, RN-BC, C-TNP, MNSc

Board Liaison
Mary Blankson, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, FAAN

Team Leads
Claire Anderson, APRN, MSN, FNP-BC, CHFN
Heidi Burns, MSN, RN-BC
LaVonne Harris, RN, MSN
Kathryn Koehne, DNP, RN-BC, C-TNP
Jayme Speight, MSN, RN-BC
Meaghan Wohl, BSN, RN
Elizabeth Wright, MBA, BSN, RN, AMB-BC

Task Force Members
Tracey Backus, MS, RN-BC
Melissa Bowen, MSN, RN, NE-BC
Bridget Carter, MS, RN
Eleanor Chapital, MSN, RN-BC
Sandra Coley, BSN, RN
Libertie Collins, MSN, RN-BC, CPHQ, CPPS, CPHQ, MSN, RN
Kim Culross, BSN, RNC-BC
Kristine Feldhaus, BSN, RN, CPN
Kim Finke, RN, BSN, CNML
Catherine Fournier, MPH, RN-BC
Teresa Hegarty, BSN, RN, CPN
Daryl Keller, CMSRN, MBA, RN-BC
Patty Moore, MSN, MBA, RN, NE-BC
Cheryl A. Patterson, BSN, RNC-TNP
Maureen Power, RN, MPH, LNCC
Gail Seeger, BSN, RN-BC
Karen Steinbock, MBA, BSN, RN
Pegi Vaillancourt, RN, MN
Melissa Zelin, BSN, RN-BC

Reviewers
Katie Connor, MSN, RN-BC
Leslie Morris, MSN, RN
Sarah Storhoff, MSN, RN-BC
Col. Katherine Taylor Pearson, DNP, RN-BC, CNE
Angela Zipperer, MSN, RN, CNL

Piloters
Julie Alban, DNP, MPH, AMB-BC, CCCTM
Katherine K. Andersen, MSN, AMB-BC, CCM
Jared Caron, BSN, RN, AMB-BC
Brenda Blain Danner, RN, MSN, CNL
Courtney Monterusso, BSN, RN, FNS
Margaret Pascucci, RN
Charissa Phelps, RN-BC
Staci Redding, CMSRN, DNP, NPD-BC

Voiceover Speakers
Bridget Carter, MS, RN
Eleanor Chapital, MSN, RN, AMB-BC
Kim Culross, MSN, RN, AMB-BC, C-TNP, CNE
Kristine Feldhaus, BSN, RN, CPN
Kim Finke, BSN, RN, CNML, CPN, CNRN
Kathryn Koehne, DNP, AMB-BC, C-TNP
Jessica Polk, DrPH, MPH, BSN, RN
Kimberly Regis, DNP, RN, PNP-BC
Carol Rutenberg, MNSc, RN, AMB-BC, C-TNP
CAPT (U.S. Navy) David Thomas, BSN, MPA, EMBA, CEN, AMB-BC
Elizabeth Wright, MBA, BSN, RN, AMB-BC

Tabitha Anglea, MSN, RN, CCRN-K, LNC
Tabitha Anglea, MSN, RN, CCRN-K, LNC

Carol Rutenberg, RN-BC, C-TNP, MNSc
Carol Rutenberg, RN-BC, C-TNP, MNSc
Elizabeth Wright, MBA, BSN, RN, AMB-BC
Elizabeth Wright, MBA, BSN, RN, AMB-BC

M. Elizabeth Greenberg, CNE, PhD, RN-BC, C-TNP
M. Elizabeth Greenberg, CNE, PhD, RN-BC, C-TNP
Special thanks to M. Elizabeth Greenberg, CNE, PhD, RN-BC, C-TNP, former Co-Chair, without whom this project would not have been possible.