Make your voice heard
I read with great interest "Policy and Politics: Why Nurses Should Get Involved" (December, 2012)* and agree that when nurses get involved in public policy it does help improve patient care. I have a working relationship with my U.S. House Representative and have contacted my State Senator and State House Representative about issues in the past. My most recent activity included adding my voice to those requesting our state law regarding assault on ED nurses be changed from a misdemeanor to a felony. The legislators listened and the law was changed.
Even so, I'd caution nursing organizations against becoming political entities. I refuse to join several well-known nursing organizations due to their political statements and candidate endorsements. Joining a nursing organization implies agreement with its principles and policies, including its statements and endorsements. If the nursing organization's political views are diametrically opposed to mine, joining them compromises my principles. As nurses we must always do our research before joining any organization that claims to represent us collectively.
Congratulations to our Nurse of the Year!
Dawn Bennett, BSN, RN, CEN Halifax Regional Medical Center in Roanoke Rapids, N.C.
Among many impressive entries, Ms. Bennett was chosen as the nurse who best represents the journal's four pillars of excellence: Elevate, Inspire, Innovate, and Energize. You can find the winning essay describing her career accomplishments on page 30 of this issue.
We'd also like to recognize the other noteworthy submissions, so here are our honorable mentions (listed in alphabetical order):
* Patricia August, MSN, Bergenfield Health Department in Bergenfield, N.J.
* Andrea Coyle, BSN, RN, CMSRN, Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.
* Patricia Dallmer, BSN, RN, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pa.
* Anna Eckert, RN, formerly from Woodview Healthcare of Fort Wayne in Fort Wayne, Ind.
* Erna Edejer-Lacebal, BSN, RN, CCRN, PHN, Washington Hospital Healthcare System in Fremont, Calif.
* Teressa Philson, DNP, CPNP, Sterling Medical Associates, Inc., in Cincinnati, Ohio.
* Kimberly Reiners, BSN, RN, AE-C, CPN, Cardon Children's Medical Center in Mesa, Ariz.
* Lauren Stevens, RN, South Shore Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center in Rockland, Md.
-FRED DOWNS, BSN, RN
Lincolnton, N.C.
* Individual subscribers can access articles free online at http://www.nursing2013.com. [Context Link]