 |
RN Patient Advocates is the only nationally recognized Patient Advocacy education program created specifically for qualified RNs endorsed by a leading College of Nursing: The University of Arizona.
|
 |
Welcome
Joan Shaver, Dean UA College of NursingRN Patient Advocates in participation with The College of Nursing, University of Arizona invite you to join the RNPA Learning Intensive.
This is the only course of study offered exclusively to experienced, clinical RNs to become Independent RN Patient Advocates (iRNPAs). This program has been developed over 11 years by Karen Mercereau, RN, iRNPA, a nationally recognized visionary leader in healthcare”. ~ Joan L. Shaver, PhD, RN, FAAN
Testimonials
- A Life-Saving Team
Phil is a 63-year-old CPA who had devastating black ulcerations devouring both thighs, poorly controlled diabetes and diabetic ulcers, suffering from poor nutrition and very poor pain control. His physicians were arguing about the diagnosis and Phil’s legs continued to deteriorate, actually disappearing – painfully. More - Leading Edge Medicine
Eva is a 37 year old high school biology teacher, diagnosed with fibromyalgia and crippled by headaches that were not responding to therapy, covered with cysts, suffering with systemic yeast infections and multiple allergies, suffering from poor nutrition with significant GI problems and obesity. More
Do You Need A Health Detective
... Call your RN Patient Advocate!
About Us
Founded in 2002, RN Patient Advocates provides:
- The only Learning Intensive preparing qualified RNs to become Independent RN Patient Advocates (iRNPAs). This nationally recognized Learning Intensive is offered in association with the University of Arizona, College of Nursing.
- The National Network of RN Patient Advocates: Mentoring, Continuing Education, Collaborative Practice, Shared Governance
- Our Mission is to empower people in their health care through Advocacy, Education and Guidance through the health care system.
Follow Our Blog And Tell Us Your Thoughts
Karen's Story
Always an Advocate…
I was always the family patient advocate. That the system was broken became more and more obvious over the years as I worked on their behalf. I was a patient advocate in the clinical arena as well, though that too was becoming increasingly difficult. By 2002,
Course Completion Statement
Course Completion statement: “This continuing nursing education activity was approved by the Arizona Nurses’ Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.”
Course Completion statement: Successful completion of the RN Patient Advocate Learning Intensive requires participation in the 9/4/12 to 10/1/12 e-learning and the 10/9/12 to 10/16/12 face-to-face learning. Continuing education credit will be awarded based on attendance as evidenced by participation in e-learning, completion of sign-in sheets for face-to-face learning and completed evaluation forms .
Disclosure Statement: The planning committee members, content experts, faculty, presenters and authors have no relevant financial relationship to declare. There is no commercial support being received for this event, and there is no sponsorship being received for this event.
User login
Acutely ill? Facing Chronic Conditions? Need help in a medical emergency? We RN PATIENT ADVOCATES can help! |
|
How an RN Patient Advocate can help you: Advocate on your behalf with all of your physicians – asking those questions you do not know how to ask Research all of your treatment options and teach you the possibilities Guide you through the maze of the medical system Ensure open communication throughout your health care team
Who is an independent RN Patient Advocate (iRNPA)?We Are:
|
FOR RN's |
Enjoy a new career in patient centered advocacy - Become an iRNPA!
"In a year's time after taking the RNPA Learning Intensive, my career, my health, my family , my very life has been transformed. I am forever grateful." Karen DiMarco, RN, iRNPA "This has been the most intensive, informative and exceptional learning experience I've had in 25 years of nursing." Antoinette Ryba, iRNPA "The way of the future of nursing...an absolute must if you want to make and be the difference in righting the wrongs of healthcare. Karen is a wonderful mentor who has put her heart and soul into this program. Passion Vision Perserverance" Lana Benton, RN, iRNPA The Learning Intensive did an amazing job of conveying the groundbreaking model of Karen Mercereau with clarity, humor and heart. Marla Bass, RN, DNP, iRNPA
"The RNPA Learning Intensive has been so very motivational for me. RN Advocacy is a path I have wanted to pursue for a long time but now I have a framework for how to practice. Mercereau is a true innovator in this field. " Elizabeth Onorato, RN, iRNPA
Absolutely a fabulous program that will prepare passionate and dedicated nurses to become independent practitioners that will empower one patient at a time. Patti Pumford, RN, iRNPA
The forethought, experience, openness, philosophy and preparation provides all the tools, thought process and confidence to begin and succeed as an iRNPA. Leta Gill, RN, iRNPA
Take our questionnaire to see if you qualify for our program and learn more about our upcoming Learning Intensive. (Click here). |
Are you losing bone? Have osteopenia or osteoporosis? Wonder if your treatment is working? Options. Always helpful to have options.
May 23, 2013 2:54 pm
Although they appear quite solid, bones are constantly breaking down and rebuilding in a process called remodeling. When more bone cells are being discarded than are being created, the first condition that occurs is osteopenia, the precursor of osteoporosis. DEXA Scans are very helpful to determine how much bone mass you have the day of the test. However, you wait another year or two until the next DEXA to see the effect of your therapy.
When bones remodel, there are chemical byproducts. One of them is called deoxypyridinoline or Dpd. There is a test to measure this - a simple urine test that most insurance covers. It is called the Pyrilinks D. You can learn right away how fast your bones are breaking down or whether they are building at the right rate to maintain bone mass. This can be repeated in three month intervals to evaluate the therapy you are currently using.
The DEXA plus the Pyrilinks D will give a much more complete clinical picture than just the DEXA alone. Ask your physician if the Pyrilinks D is indicated for you.
Next class - Online: September 21 - November 16, 2013 Residential: November 19 - 23, 2013
March 5, 2013 5:16 pm
RN Patient Advocates, PLLC, in association with the University of Arizona, College of Nursing, would like to offer you the opportunity to participate in an 8 week online, 5-day residential immersion course to become an independent RN Patient Advocate. This offer is exclusively for experienced clinical RNs. Our RN Patient Advocacy Program began 11 years ago and has evolved into a highly effective Advocacy Process that greatly improves patient outcomes and saves health care dollars.
Breast cancer screening. So much conflicting news, so many options, what is the best approach for you?
May 22, 2013 1:35 pmMedical science is constantly evolving – hence the conflicting news. Let’s look more closely:
Mammograms are a valuable – though not the only valuable – tool used for breast screening. Martha Grout, MD, explains that “Mammography has been the state-of-the-art screening test for several decades. However, considerable controversy remains regarding its value, particularly in women under the age of 50. Results from the widely accepted BCDDP study documented that the overall ability of mammograms to detect cancer was only 70 percent. This means that 30 percent of mammograms found to be negative for potentially cancerous lesions are actually positive. Only one biopsy in six was found to be positive for cancer when done on the basis of a positive mammogram or breast examination. The combined false positive rate was determined to be as high as 89 percent.
So, what else should you consider in addition? There is genetic testing for the BRCA genes that indicate a predisposition to breast cancer, MRIs, ultrasounds, PET scans – all of which cost a great deal and have demonstrated limitations.
Then, there is breast thermography. Breast thermography measures heat emissions from breast tissue (cancer creates heat) and identifies changes in breast tissue. Dr. Grout: “At least five important studies published between 1980 and 2003 document that breast thermal imaging is a major advancement in identifying breast cancers not only with greater sensitivity and specificity, but also years earlier than with any other scientifically tested medical technology.”
Which combination of testing is right for you? Like to know more? Read on . . .
Compare mammography and breast thermography here. . .
Cholesterol: want the whole picture? Order the whole test! What?
May 21, 2013 11:28 am
Standard cholesterol testing measures only a fraction of the indicators of cardiac risk. Remember that half of the people who suffer heart attacks have normal cholesterol!
So what is the rest of the picture? There are many subtypes of both HDL and LDL particles, each carrying different degrees of risk.
Size matters. Particle size is extraordinarily important; research shows that small dense 
LDL cholesterol is inflammatory and toxic to blood vessels. Large particles – HDL – are protective while the small particles –LDL – increase your cardiac risk.
The test to measure the real risks in your lipid profile? The LPP – Lipoprotein Particle Profile. Ask your physician. Get the facts about your risk. You can learn more here . . .
Summer is here. Get out your sunscreen, right? There is no proof that sunscreens prevent most skin cancers. Can this be true? Are there good sunscreens?
May 20, 2013 11:54 am
Despite heavy sunscreen use, the rate of melanoma has tripled over the last 35 years. The Environmental Working Group has published a list of 9 surprising facts about sunscreens and how to pick the best ones.
1. FDA’s sunscreen rules have changed but products haven’t improved.
2. The common sunscreen additive vitamin A may speed development of skin cancer.
3. Don’t be fooled by high SPF. High-SPF products tempt people to apply too little sunscreen and stay in the sun too long.
4. European sunscreens offer superior protection from UVA rays. They are allowed to use 7 UVA blockers while US manufacturers can use only 3.
5. Some sunscreen ingredients disrupt hormones and cause skin allergies.
There are good sunscreens, but it’s helpful to learn about ingredients. Learn more here. . .
Contact us!
RN Patient Advocates, PLLC
Tucson, AZ 85754
Phone: 520-743-7008
Email: karen@patientadvocates.com