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The Denver VA Medical Center launched its virtual ICU (vICU) a year ago with the goal of increasing access to critical care in rural areas. The program--the first in the entire VA system--has exceeded expectations for Carrie Hawkins, the vICU coordinator and assistant nurse manager of critical care at the Denver VA.

The Colorado Center for Nursing Excellence (the Center) recently launched its newly designed website - www.coloradonursingcenter.org.

University of Phoenix has been in Colorado for more than 28 years and has helped thousands of residents earn their advanced degrees to meet their personal and professional goals. As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to provide access to educational opportunities, the Southern Colorado campus recently awarded Suzette Smith with its first ever “Voice Your Change” Scholarship.

The National League of Nursing now requires a master’s in nursing for programs to be accredited. One big issue is not just the nursing shortage but getting quality nursing faculty because we have to replace those who are getting older. Claudine Dickey, RN, PhD It’s great have a master’s on the job. It really lets nurses use their experience to teacher the younger generation of nurses. Becky Cavnar, Admissions It offers a unique experience to pursue a graduate degree. With my experience in nursing, I feel like I have some unique lessons to share with nursing students to make them excellent role models, mentors and teachers. Gail Livengood, RN I’m from a family that’s pro-education and this is the next and obvious path for me. There’s just an encouragement for further education. Megan Cook Gregg, RN

Q. I used to go to the gym five or 6 times per week but my job is so stressful, now I drink all most every day and skip the gym. My girlfriend thinks I have a problem and she nags me. I really don’t think I have a problem but she wanted your opinion.

CARTOON - Idiot Boards - By William Warren

Laura Caramanica, RN, PhD, CENP, FACHE, has been elected president-elect of the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE). Caramanica currently serves as the executive director of the Institute for Nursing Excellence at Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, N.Y., where she also held the position of senior vice president/chief nursing officer from 2007-2010.

Medical Assistants Recognition Week, October 18-22, 2010 is a tribute to the extraordinary accomplishments of medical assisting professionals nationwide.

Amedisys, the largest home health care and hospice company in the U.S., applauded the Institute of Medicine’s recommendations which came out this week in the report, “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health,” which called for significant changes in the roles, responsibilities and education of nurses.