…the more We are challenged to change.  The health care environment is in a constant state of change these days and nursing is challenged to change and adapt as well.  As nursing becomes more complex, we are challenged to recruit the best and brightest to the profession.  As cost containment measures have negatively impacted the health care setting, we are challenged to improve the workplace in order to retain nurses.  And as world events impact the health of our nation, we are challenged to find ways to meet these needs.

Let me tell you how the Georgia Nurses Association is rising to these challenges created by changing opportunities:

Recruitment—Federal and state funds are being sought to support nursing scholarships.  Additional funds are needed to encourage students to look to nursing as a viable career choice. Look for opportunities to communicate with your legislators regarding the need for additional nursing education funds. GNA has been active at the state level in collaboration with a number of health care organizations to lobby for funds to support scholarships.  At the national level ANA is actively lobbying for federal funds.  (http://www.nursingworld.org/gova/federal/news/reincong.htm).  There are also efforts underway to fund graduate education for those nurses who would consider a career in nursing education. While attempting to recruit more students into the profession, we must also increase our numbers of nurse educators.

In addition to the need for nursing education funds, recruitment efforts must focus on getting our message out to those who may be interested in a health care career.  I hope you have seen Johnson & Johnson’s new Discover Nursing campaign. The television ads first ran during the Olympics—a great opportunity to highlight nursing.  ANA was one of the consulting organizations on this campaign and GNA has just received the media materials.  You can locate more information on this program at http://www.discovernursing.com.  GNA also has plans underway to focus on recruitment—watch for more information in the near future.

Retention—Hospitals and other health care organizations are beginning to recognize the necessity of improving the work environment in order to retain nurses. ANA’s Magnet Award program is receiving recognition for its attention to workplace excellence (http://nursingworld.org/ancc/magnet.htm ). Only 47 health care organizations in the U.S. have received the Magnet Award—with two of them in Georgia.

The state-wide Health Care Workforce Policy Advisory Committee has a strong focus on the work environment.  Six regional forums are planned around the state during the month of May.  The forums will represent an avenue by which various organizations can share process improvements, best practices and innovative ideas related to the work environment.  During these sessions CEOs, staff and mid-level nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals will identify top reasons health care professionals remain in the field and ways to reinforce these values. It is the Committee’s desire that these forums serve as a mechanism for structured and secure dialogue and problem-solving between and among staff and executives.  I represent registered nursing on the Committee and will be able to attend several of the forums as an observer and small group facilitator.  I plan to report back to you in the next issue of this newsletter.

New Challenges—Since the tragic events of September 11^th, the health care system has focused on disaster preparedness.  GNA is collaborating with several organizations to explore issues such as bioterrorism and disaster response.  ANA  has valuable information on these topics at their website (http://nursingworld.org/news/disaster).

GNA has partnered with five organizations to roll out a new system, which will maximize the potential impact that nurses can bring to disaster relief and emergency response anywhere in the State.  It is called The Georgia Nurse Alert System (GNAS).  The partner organizations are the American Red Cross, Georgia Board of Nursing, Georgia Department of Human Resources, Georgia Nurses Association and the Georgia Nurses Foundation.  The GNAS is a newly formed network of volunteer nurses who are ready to be part of the disaster/emergency response team for Georgia.  The purpose of the GNAS is to identify and mobilize currently licensed nurses who have the necessary nursing skills to serve as volunteers during times of disaster and emergency in Georgia. This program is the first of its kind in the nation and GNF is securing funds for program development. To read the full story and register online, go to http://www.georgianurses.org/gnas.htm

Personal Changes—while nursing is dealing with these and many other challenges, nurses individually also encounter opportunities for change. I have had one such opportunity recently that I would like to tell you about.  During these past 2 ½ years as GNA President, I have been given wonderful opportunities to work on behalf of registered nurses in our state. These events have resulted in professional growth and work satisfaction.  Because of my strong commitment to professional association development, I have made the difficult decision to leave nursing education after 16 years to accept the position of Chief Programs Officer with the Georgia Nurses Association.  I am looking forward to this professionally challenging and rewarding opportunity to advance nursing in this newly developed role.  I will fully transition into this position mid‑summer and as such Dr. Myra Carmon, GNA President-elect will take office 3 months early.  I ask that you continue to offer me the support and encouragement that you have shown during these past few years as I transition into a staff position at GNA and that you support Myra in her efforts as GNA’s President.

The more things change…the more We are challenged to change.  I challenge you to look for opportunities to recruit young men and women into the profession, to work with your employer to improve the work environment, and to volunteer for the Georgia Nurses Alert System to improve services to those in need.

To quote Benjamin Franklin, “When you're finished changing, you're finished.” There is too much work ahead to be finished—look for those opportunities for change and plunge ahead.

Other Messages from GNA Presidents: