MICHIGAN COUNCIL OF
NURSE PRACTITIONERS
Ann Arbor MICNP Chapter Newsletter
By: Ann Arbor Chapter President Opal Patricia Lesse, MSN, FNP,
Diane Asher-President-Elect,
Karen Scanlon-Secretary, Donna Rossini-Treasurer
The Ann Arbor MICNP Chapter has completed a successful year with positive
feedback about the presentations offered, the dinners enjoyed and the
increase in membership. Networking at the MICNP meetings is so valuable
for each of us. Specifically the Student Affiliate Chapter through the
University of Michigan has been a great addition. Dr. Beth Kuzma is the
faculty advisor. She can be contacted at [email protected] if any U of M
student is interested in learning more about this.
Michigan Senate Bill 68 (SB68): The clarification of the language in the bill is
being discussed as it moves forward. Meetings scheduled to include
Representative Shirkey as well as MICNP lobbyists are ongoing. In the
interim, each MICNP member, as well as non-members, are encouraged to
contact supportive physicians directing them to let their legislators and
others know of their support on this very important issue.
Board Representative for Region 5 for MICNP
To make sure the MICNP Board has a quorum present for important voting
issues, at the business meeting of the MICNP Annual Conference in March
the membership voted on a bylaws change that would elect regional
representatives to represent each of the five regions in Michigan. The Ann
Arbor and Metro Chapters are in Region 5 and will be represented by one
person on the MICNP Board of Directors. This representative will meet with
and communicate between the chapter boards and the MICNP board. The
election for the representative will take place this fall, more information to
come. If any of you are who have been involved in past legislative events or
MICNP committees are interested, we hope you will run for this position.
The current chapter officers will remain the same with one exception: The
elected president will not be required to go to the board meetings once the
representative is elected.
Together, our strength and voice will be heard!
SPRING
2015
Michigan
Council of
Nurse
Practitioners
Phone:
734-432-9881
Fax:
734-432-9884
P.O. Box 87934
Canton, MI 48187
Email:
[email protected]
Website:
www.micnp.org
Ann Arbor MICNP Chapter Newsletter
Spring 2015
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WHAT DOES MENTORSHIP MEAN TO YOU?
By Opal Lesse
I am a Mentor. As I reflect my career and the many nurses I have been privileged to share my career and life with, I am so very
glad I took the time and effort to be available. I have mentored students from U of M, EMU, MSU, U of M Flint, Wayne State
and for a few online classes. I have been a nurse and NP for a long time. My experiences in this service have taught me how
to be and how to not be an effective mentor. I use Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” to guide my mentorship.
These are the seven: “Be Proactive. Begin with the End in Mind. Put First Things First. Think Win-Win. Seek First to
Understand, Then to be understood. Synergize. Sharpen the Saw.” I have learned that each student brings to a mentor a
unique set of values established within their culture, beliefs and understanding. As mentors, each of us has the responsibility
to help shape each unique student so they remember a lasting connection with their experiences. Place yourself in their
memories.
By Diane Asher
The term ‘mentor’ is easily defined as someone who teaches or gives help and advice to a person who is less
experienced. As a novice nurse practitioner, I’m learning that mentorship can take many forms. It can be as brief as a
piece of advice from a speaker, a conversation with a coworker, a discussion at a meeting. Or it can be longer and serve to
pull a professional to a higher level of understanding and wisdom.
I recently had an experience with a mentor during my first job as a nurse practitioner. During the first six months of the
job, I was wracked with self-doubt and constantly overwhelmed by seemingly basic tasks. My mentor and I didn’t talk often
but those talks were some of the most valuable conversations I’ve ever had. She not only had experience, she had
something I wanted... confidence in her clinical role. Over several months, she provided an element of comfort and
normalcy to a stressful transition as I slowly morphed from a graduate student to a professional. She helped change my
outlook and helped me focus less on the technical answers and more on the evidence-based solutions that propel patients
forward towards wellness. In essence, she helped me discover the art of nursing at the advanced practice level. It has now
been over a year since we’ve talked. Even though I’ve slowly discovered in myself the confidence and clinical skills that I
once so envied in my mentor, her words still ring in my head when I am faced with a complex patient or difficult work
situation.
The role of mentor has been around for centuries. So what is it about the relationship that makes it so valuable? It is
different for everyone, but my best guess is that mentors help get you to your best self. Their belief in you and in the
learning process can help guide you where you want to go personally and professionally. Treating patients can be incredibly
rewarding. However, I’m also learning more and more about other aspects of this career, like mentorship for others, that
will bring new, unanticipated joys and insights. What an ever-surprising and rewarding career this is turning out to be.
PRESIDENT-ELECT POSITION 2016 IS OPEN
A BIG THANK YOU to all the NPs who donated items to the
Safe House Center. So many donations required four
people to help load them into my car! The Safe House
volunteers assisted in carrying the boxes in and are so very
grateful.
Safe House is a sanctuary for abused and homeless women
and children. This refuge has been in Ann Arbor since the
1970’s and operates mainly on donations, grants and
volunteers. The goal is to provide resources to empower
the families to experience the best life possible. If you
want to donate or contact the people at Safe House, go to
this website www.safehousecenter.org
- Opal
Diane Asher, our current President-Elect, will step into the
President position on January 1, 2016, leaving a vacancy. Any NP
person interested in being mentored into a leadership position
should contact Opal Lesse at [email protected]. The
President-Elect serves for a two-year term (see below),then
serves as President for another two years:
 President in training
 Goal is to learn the ins/outs of the organization and
chapter to be able to effectively lead during term as
President
 Work with the President to set and meet goals of the
chapter
 Attend as many monthly meetings as possible
 Participate in chapter activities to learn more about the
organization
 Assist in planning and organizing monthly events, chapter
conferences and outreach events
Ann Arbor MICNP Chapter Newsletter
Spring 2015
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LOTS OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR COMMUNITY!
Ann Arbor MICNP’s quest for involvement has led us to explore many ways to involve all the members in
our chapter. Two Walk/Run events are being supported by the Ann Arbor Chapter.
Bladder Cancer Awareness (BCAN) Walk/Run
This annual event is a helpful resource for bladder cancer patients and their families. Join us for the
fun and exercise! Bring a picnic and your family! Saturday, May 9, 2015 at Boulan Park in Troy
Go to http://support.bcan.org/site/TR/Walk/General?fr_id=1175&pg=entry to register
Stay-in-the-Shade - Melanoma Awareness Support
STAY-IN-THE-SHADE: This non-profit organization’s mission is to fight malignant melanoma. They
have invited MICNP to join them at the 10th Annual Highland "Rugged Man” Trail Run and Hike on
November 8th at the Highland Recreation Area in Oakland County. Members of the Ann Arbor
MICNP Chapter will offer assistance (volunteer), and participate (runner or hiker) in this event.
To register go to: www.stayintheshade.org/highland
In addition to these, please show up and show support at the legislative events being hosted by your
local Representative or Senator. Write letters (click HERE to send template letter) and ask physicians
for their support. And it’s very important for members to join the Ann Arbor Board at our local
meetings at Panera Bread, 1773 Plymouth Road, on the 3rd Monday of each month at 6:00 pm.
2014 BCAN Walkers
Ann Arbor MICNP Chapter Newsletter Spring 2015
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR AWARD
AND SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS!!
We have pride in you.
We wish our scholarship winners all the best, and pledge
our help, in your future nursing education.
Brian Kaminski Jr. & Gloria (Lita) Smith
(l. to r.) Opal Lesse, MSN, FNP, Ann Arbor Chapter
President, and Dr. Ann Sheehan, President of the
Michigan Council of Nurse Practitioners
Ann Arbor MICNP Chapter Newsletter
ANN ARBOR CHAPTER CALENDAR
Please add these important dates to your personal calendar:
Ann Arbor Chapter Meeting:
Date: April 20, 2015
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Carsons Bistro
2000 Commonwealth Blvd
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Topic: Centralized Pain & Mindbody syndrome: Are We
Confusing Nociception for Perception
Speaker: David Kohns, DO, PT U of M
CEU’s for MICNP members
Space is limited – click HERE to register.
Ann Arbor Chapter Meeting:
Date: May 7, 2015
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Carlyle Grill
3660 Jackson Rd.
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
First Speaker, 6:00 pm MICNP President-Elect Dr.
Gretchen Schumacher will speak about Senate Bill 68
Second Speaker, 6:30 pm Susanne Quallich, NP
Topic: Men’s Health Overview
Click HERE to register
Annual Bladder Cancer Awareness Walk/Run
Date: May 9, 2015
Time: 10:00 am
Location: Boulan Park, Troy
Click HERE to register!
Important Dates to mark on your calendars!!!
2015 Advocacy Day - Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Nurse Practitioners Week - November 8-14, 2015
2015 CEU Saturday – hosted by the Ann Arbor and
Metro Chapters of MICNP - Saturday, December 5,
2015
Spring 2015
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