The Journal for Nurse Practitioners RSS feed: Current Issue. JNP provides a highly credible resource to help nurse practitioners stay current with the clinical and policy concerns affecting their day-to-day practice. In addition to peer-reviewed clinical articles, JNP features continuing education opportunities and opinions and commentary on pressing legislative, regulatory, and clinical practice issues. Popular features include Point-Counterpoint, Legal Limits, Test Your Knowledge crosswords, Prescription Pad, and Decoding Codes. JNP is the official journal of the American College of Nurse Practitioners and includes organizational information in every issue. http://www.npjournal.org/?rss=yesElsevier Inc.en © 2012 American College of Nurse Practitioners. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners1555-415581January 2012 © 2012 American College of Nurse Practitioners. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. healthpermissions@elsevier.comhttp://www.npjournal.org/article/PIIS1555415511005484/abstract?rss=yes The Journal of Nurse Practitioners (JNP) began mailing to 90,000 nurse practitioners (NPs) in October 2011, making it the NP-only journal with the largest readership base! Designed to meet the clinical needs of the experienced NP, JNP also features important political and policy information that influences NP practice. As the official journal of the American College of Nurse Practitioners, JNP helps fulfill their mission to help NPs practice to the full potential of their education and skills.JNP Welcomes 40,000 New NP ReadersMarilyn W. Edmunds10.1016/j.nurpra.2011.11.003The Journal for Nurse Practitioners 8, 1 (2012)2012-01-01The Journal for Nurse Practitioners2012-01-0181S1555-4155(11)X0011-9Editorial1212http://www.npjournal.org/article/PIIS1555415511005502/abstract?rss=yes Happy New Year, my colleagues! I send you greetings and salutations from the American College for Nurse Practitioners (ACNP). As I start my new term as the 19th president of ACNP, I think of it as being a time for new beginnings and opportunities. This is the time of year where we can start over and anew with accomplishing our goals and dreams.Make It Happen in 2012Jill Olmstead10.1016/j.nurpra.2011.11.005The Journal for Nurse Practitioners 8, 1 (2012)2012-01-01The Journal for Nurse Practitioners2012-01-0181S1555-4155(11)X0011-9Letter from the ACNP President1414http://www.npjournal.org/article/PIIS1555415511005472/abstract?rss=yesDave Mason, ACNP Government Relations Director, Mason Consulting, LLC ACNP Forum10.1016/j.nurpra.2011.11.002The Journal for Nurse Practitioners 8, 1 (2012)2012-01-01The Journal for Nurse Practitioners2012-01-0181S1555-4155(11)X0011-9ACNP Forum1518http://www.npjournal.org/article/PIIS1555415511003345/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Abdominal migraine in children is a migraine variant, described as isolated, paroxysmal attacks of severe periumbilical abdominal pain associated with nausea, vomiting, pallor, anorexia, headache, and photophobia, with intervening periods of normality. Abdominal migraine is a diagnosis of exclusion, as presenting symptomatology can also be characteristic of other disease processes. An extensive history and physical examination are necessary to differentiate between abdominal migraine and acute abdominal pain. Limited studies have been conducted on the management of children with an acute abdominal migraine attack. Treatment and prophylaxis of acute attacks is essential to reduce recurrence, severity, and extent of pain. Abdominal Migraine in Children: Is It All in Their Heads?Aixa I. Catala-Beauchamp, Robyn P. Gleason10.1016/j.nurpra.2011.06.007The Journal for Nurse Practitioners 8, 1 (2012)2012-01-01The Journal for Nurse Practitioners2012-01-0181S1555-4155(11)X0011-9Features1926http://www.npjournal.org/article/PIIS1555415511005563/abstract?rss=yesThe Journal for Nurse Practitioners Continuing Education Credit Application10.1016/j.nurpra.2011.11.011The Journal for Nurse Practitioners 8, 1 (2012)2012-01-01The Journal for Nurse Practitioners2012-01-0181S1555-4155(11)X0011-9Features2728http://www.npjournal.org/article/PIIS1555415511005526/abstract?rss=yes Paula Ellis, MSN, RN, CARN, a nurse with a variety of leadership and behavioral health care experiences, works at St. Francis Health Center in Topeka, Kansas, directing home care, medical staff services, clinical resource management, transportation, and the hospitalist service. She is currently in the DNP program at the University of Kansas' School of Nursing, and her capstone project focuses on ED-based clinical nurse leader interventions to decrease unnecessary hospital admissions.Does Nursing Need the Clinical Nurse Leader?Donald Gardenier10.1016/j.nurpra.2011.11.007The Journal for Nurse Practitioners 8, 1 (2012)2012-01-01The Journal for Nurse Practitioners2012-01-0181S1555-4155(11)X0011-9Point/Counterpoint3031http://www.npjournal.org/article/PIIS1555415511003138/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: The purpose of this study was to characterize patient encounter data using an automated database system. Of the 1,963 visits characterized, a variety of acute and chronic conditions were prevalent. Expanding the database to include a system for mental health screening is recommended, as is strengthening partnerships with medical centers, nursing programs, businesses, and pharmacies. Characterization allows for planning of primary health care and assists with grant submissions and outcomes reporting. Nurse practitioners play a key role in providing health care services to indigent populations. The results of this characterization study will foster meeting these needs. Characterizing Encounter Data for Patients Using an Indigent Medical ClinicNadine Aktan, Joanne Fagan, Craig Sorkin10.1016/j.nurpra.2011.06.002The Journal for Nurse Practitioners 8, 1 (2012)2012-01-01The Journal for Nurse Practitioners2012-01-0181S1555-4155(11)X0011-9Features3237http://www.npjournal.org/article/PIIS1555415511003606/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Catastrophic events, including both natural and man-made disasters, usually create surge capacity needs for health care systems; subsequently, the ability to meet such capacity requires thoughtful preparation. While it is true that disastrous emergencies may not be prevented or controlled, it is vital for citizens to be prepared at multiple levels, including individuals, families, health care employees, and community organizations at-large, in order to mount a successful response to the event. Nurse practitioners, by virtue of their advanced biopsychosocial education, as well as their inherent role of community-based practice and collaboration, are uniquely situated to directly contribute toward these efforts. When Disaster Happens: Emergency Preparedness for Nurse PractitionersKetty Molina Spain, Paul Thomas Clements, Joseph T DeRanieri, Karyn Holt10.1016/j.nurpra.2011.07.024The Journal for Nurse Practitioners 8, 1 (2012)2012-01-01The Journal for Nurse Practitioners2012-01-0181S1555-4155(11)X0011-9Features3844http://www.npjournal.org/article/PIIS1555415511003618/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition caused by fatty infiltration of the liver, in the absence of large alcohol consumption, that can result in liver failure. It is the leading cause of elevated liver enzymes in adults and of liver disease in children, and it is increasing in the United States commensurately with obesity. Initially an asymptomatic disease, diagnosis is based on risk factor assessment, laboratory findings, and imaging studies. Prevention and early intervention require lifestyle changes. Prognosis is typically good, especially early in the disease course. Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Implications for Clinical Practice and Health PromotionBethany Croke, Deborah Sampson10.1016/j.nurpra.2011.07.025The Journal for Nurse Practitioners 8, 1 (2012)2012-01-01The Journal for Nurse Practitioners2012-01-0181S1555-4155(11)X0011-9Features4550http://www.npjournal.org/article/PIIS155541551100362X/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Evidence-based health care provides clinicians with the scientific data necessary to provide high-quality care to patients with specific diseases, while pay-for-performance initiatives reward clinicians for adhering to performance guidelines in managing these diseases. Although these guidelines provide the best treatment for a given disease, they don't necessarily determine the optimal treatment for individuals because they don't address patients with comorbidities, nor do they consider patient preferences. In order to improve outcomes, clinicians and patients should collaborate to formulate a treatment plan that incorporates both evidence-based data and patient preferences within the context of each patient's specific clinical situation. Making Evidence-based Health Care Relevant for PatientsJill Muhrer10.1016/j.nurpra.2011.07.026The Journal for Nurse Practitioners 8, 1 (2012)2012-01-01The Journal for Nurse Practitioners2012-01-0181S1555-4155(11)X0011-9Features5155http://www.npjournal.org/article/PIIS155541551100256X/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Phosphorus si an essential element of the body and has many important functions. Hyperphosphatemia, or elevated levels of phosphorus, is defined based on patients' clinical status and often occurs in patients with acute or chronic kidney diseases. Prolonged periods of hyperphosphatemia are associated with such consequences as vascular calcification, organ failure, and mortality. Management includes correcting the underlying cause, hydrating patients to increase phosphorus excretion, and administering oral phosphate binders. Nurse practitioners and pharmacists should work together to identify and avoid exogenous sources of phosphorus, optimize patients' pharmacological therapy, and monitor patients' electrolytes. Hyperphosphatemia: Consequences and Management StrategiesTimothy V. Nguyen, Amy Wang10.1016/j.nurpra.2011.05.007The Journal for Nurse Practitioners 8, 1 (2012)2012-01-01The Journal for Nurse Practitioners2012-01-0181S1555-4155(11)X0011-9Features5660http://www.npjournal.org/article/PIIS1555415511003321/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Purpose: To evaluate the impact of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine availability on uptake among 19- to 26-year-old female patients of Planned Parenthood of Mid and South Michigan before and after the vaccine became available at the health centers. Results: Availability of the HPV vaccine increased vaccine uptake from 11% before clinic availability to 16% after availability. Accessibility, including cost and provider recommendation, may have influenced uptake. Implications: Improving availability of the HPV vaccine, while helpful, is not sufficient for a substantial increase in uptake. Issues of accessibility, including cost and provider recommendation, must also be addressed. Impact of HPV Vaccine Availability on UptakeStephanie L. Small, Divya A. Patel10.1016/j.nurpra.2011.06.005The Journal for Nurse Practitioners 8, 1 (2012)2012-01-01The Journal for Nurse Practitioners2012-01-0181S1555-4155(11)X0011-9Features6166http://www.npjournal.org/article/PIIS1555415511005496/abstract?rss=yes No one learns all they need to know in a master—s or DNP program. Most nurse practitioners (NPs) acquire skills such as suturing, colonoscopy, and chest tube insertion throughout their careers. Some continuing education (CE) programs offer programs teaching NPs how to perform specified procedures. Often, these skills come through the “see one, do one, teach one” method. Some NPs become expert in diagnosing and treating certain conditions, such as attention deficit disorder (ADD) or depression. They acquire their expertise through CE courses, reading, discussions with other clinicians, and analyzing the cases they handle.How to Prove You Are Qualified When You Need toCarolyn Buppert10.1016/j.nurpra.2011.11.004The Journal for Nurse Practitioners 8, 1 (2012)2012-01-01The Journal for Nurse Practitioners2012-01-0181S1555-4155(11)X0011-9Legal Limits6768http://www.npjournal.org/article/PIIS1555415511005551/abstract?rss=yes The potential value of a medicine (efficacy) demonstrated during clinical trials is often not realized in the clinical setting. Efficacy has to be demonstrated, along with safety, for a drug to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for clinical use.The Power of MedicinesPhilip J. Schneider10.1016/j.nurpra.2011.11.010The Journal for Nurse Practitioners 8, 1 (2012)2012-01-01The Journal for Nurse Practitioners2012-01-0181S1555-4155(11)X0011-9Prescription Pad6970http://www.npjournal.org/article/PIIS1555415511005186/abstract?rss=yes Coverage of chiropractic services is specifically limited to treatment by means of manual manipulation (ie, use of the hands) of the spine to correct a subluxation. Subluxation is defined as a motion segment in which alignment, movement integrity, and/or physiological function of the spine, are altered, although contact between joint surfaces remains intact. Overview of Medicare Policy Regarding Chiropractic ServicesJan DiSantostefano10.1016/j.nurpra.2011.10.006The Journal for Nurse Practitioners 8, 1 (2012)2012-01-01The Journal for Nurse Practitioners2012-01-0181S1555-4155(11)X0011-9Decoding Codes7172http://www.npjournal.org/article/PIIS1555415511005538/abstract?rss=yes Depressive disorders that develop during adolescence are highly recurrent conditions that create significant morbidity and risk of suicide, the third leading cause of death for youth 15-24 years old. Despite the overwhelming evidence regarding the negative outcomes of adolescent depression, recent findings indicate that, of the 2 million adolescents who suffered from major depressive disorder in the past year, nearly two thirds did not receive treatment.Screening for Depression in AdolescentsCara Calloway Young10.1016/j.nurpra.2011.11.008The Journal for Nurse Practitioners 8, 1 (2012)2012-01-01The Journal for Nurse Practitioners2012-01-0181S1555-4155(11)X0011-9Diagnostic Tips7374http://www.npjournal.org/article/PIIS1555415511004892/abstract?rss=yes This issue introduces a new department that JNP plans to offer periodically to highlight the wisdom and views of some of the talented nurse practitioner (NP) leaders who are former presidents of the American College of Nurse Practitioners (ANCP). Their experiences as ACNP leaders provide perspective and credibility to their views of current challenges.Comments on an IOM “Future of Nursing” RecommendationLaurel Halloran10.1016/j.nurpra.2011.09.023The Journal for Nurse Practitioners 8, 1 (2012)2012-01-01The Journal for Nurse Practitioners2012-01-0181S1555-4155(11)X0011-9NEW! Insight From Prior Leaders on Today's Issues7576http://www.npjournal.org/article/PIIS1555415511005149/abstract?rss=yes “The best way to age is too die young as late as possible.”—Christian Barnard, MD Healthy Aging: Clinical and Lifestyle ConsiderationsLaurel Halloran10.1016/j.nurpra.2011.10.002The Journal for Nurse Practitioners 8, 1 (2012)2012-01-01The Journal for Nurse Practitioners2012-01-0181S1555-4155(11)X0011-9Hot Topics7778http://www.npjournal.org/article/PIIS1555415511004776/abstract?rss=yesDepression is recognized as one of the most commonly treated ailments in primary care. Depression is a serious medical illness that involves the brain—s thought processes. Some statistics state that more than 20 million people in the United States have depression. As the incidence increases, understanding and managing depression is vital for nurse practitioners (NPs), many of whom encounter it in multiple settings.Internet-Based Therapy for DepressionKristine Diggins10.1016/j.nurpra.2011.09.011The Journal for Nurse Practitioners 8, 1 (2012)2012-01-01The Journal for Nurse Practitioners2012-01-0181S1555-4155(11)X0011-9In My Opinion7981http://www.npjournal.org/article/PIIS155541551100554X/abstract?rss=yesVitamin D Deficiency and ObesitySandy Wilbanks10.1016/j.nurpra.2011.11.009The Journal for Nurse Practitioners 8, 1 (2012)2012-01-01The Journal for Nurse Practitioners2012-01-0181S1555-4155(11)X0011-9Answer Key–Crossword8383http://www.npjournal.org/article/PIIS1555415511005514/abstract?rss=yesCeliac DiseaseSandy Wilbanks10.1016/j.nurpra.2011.11.006The Journal for Nurse Practitioners 8, 1 (2012)2012-01-01The Journal for Nurse Practitioners2012-01-0181S1555-4155(11)X0011-9Test Your Knowledge Crossword8484http://www.npjournal.org/article/PIIS1555415511006143/abstract?rss=yesWe deeply thank the following people for their outstanding efforts to help review and refine manuscripts submitted for publication in 2011. Gale Adcock, MSN, FNPJNP 2011 Reviewers10.1016/S1555-4155(11)00614-3The Journal for Nurse Practitioners 8, 1 (2012)2012-01-01The Journal for Nurse Practitioners2012-01-0181S1555-4155(11)X0011-9 2011 Reviewerse1e1