National Nurse

Nurses Visit Capitol Hill in Support of HR 3679 National Nurse Act of 2011

2012-01-29T05:34:00.000-08:00

Pictured left to right: Kathleen Bartholomew MN, RN (NNNO Advocacy Team Member); Josh Crosson (Health Policy Aide-Congressman Adam Smith (WA-9); and Laura Stokowski MSN, RN (NNNO Advocacy Team Member)

Thanks to the amazing work of Advocacy Team members Kathleen Bartholomew MN, RN and Laura Stokowski MSN, RN, HR 3679, The National Nurse Act of 2011 gained several original co-sponsors during their visit in December to Capitol Hill. Kathleen and Laura delivered passionate and articulate presentations to several health policy staffers and successfully convinced them of the need to educate their bosses of the importance of signing on to the bill.

Our team will be returning to Capitol Hill this March. If you are interested in joining us, please contact the NNNO Board . We welcome the participation of all as we move the bill forward and look forward to hearing from you!

Greater Passaic Valley Public Health Nurses Association Reaffirms Support for National Nurse Act 2011

2012-01-16T03:23:00.000-08:00

Thank you to the Greater Passaic Valley (New Jersey) Public Health Nurses Association for once again unanimously supporting HR 3679 The National Nurse Act of 2011. Here is their letter of support:

January 9, 2012

Dear Teri,

The Greater Passaic Valley Public Health Nurses Association is an organization of approximately forty-five Public Health Nurses from the northern New Jersey area. The current legislation establishing a National Nurse for Public Health has been among newsworthy items shared during monthly meetings. On April 28, 2011, our members unanimously moved to support the National Nurse Act of 2011 (HR 1119) with a letter and a monetary donation to NNNO to educate an elected official about HR 1119 and the benefits of establishing a National Nurse for Public Health. In the intervening months, Representatives E. Johnson and P. King took on the roles of the co-sponsors, and, when finally introduced on December 15, 2011, the bill had undergone a minor revision and been renumbered (HR 3679.) This letter is sent to reaffirm that, although names and numbers may have changed with time, support of the Greater Passaic Valley Public Health Nurses Association for the National Nurse Act of 2011 remains steadfast.

The Greater Passaic Valley Public Health Nurses Association supports establishment of a National Nurse for Public Health because we believe that

1. The National Nurse will strengthen public health principles and the public health nursing perspective at a higher level of government.
2. The National Nurse will be the voice of the collective tenets upon which all public health nurses base their practices.
3. The National Nurse will be a visible presence in the media to advocate for public health issues.

The Greater Passaic Valley Public Health Nurses Association thanks the members of the National Nursing Network Organization for their tenacity and dedication to establishing the position of National Nurse for Public Health. Likewise, we are grateful for legislators who, after listening to this message, recognize the need for and opportunity presented by the National Nurse Act of 2011 (HR 3679.) We eagerly add our voice to this effort to help the National Nurse for Public Health become a reality.

Yours in good health,

Leslie Leonard, RN, BSN
GPVPHNA President

Constituent Power-Five Plus Five Plus One

2012-01-08T08:47:00.000-08:00

Many nurses and other supporters have contacted the NNNO Board of Directors to learn how they too may gain the support of their elected Representative to support HR 3679, The National Nurse Act of 2011.

You may begin this process by visiting the Take Action link on the National Nurse website to obtain contact information for your elected officials. A phone script (as well as a template for writing a letter) is also available. The more calls and letters the US Representatives receive from their own constituents, the more likely they are to join this growing list of supporters.

Need a class project? Are you an undergraduate or graduate nursing student looking for a project or a topic for your health policy class? We know from first hand experience that ONE nurse can really help make the difference in helping to gain an additional co-sponsor for this legislation and that could be you!

It is as easy as organizing FIVE constituents (a constituent is a voter who resides in the district of the elected official) to make calls in support of HR 3679 to your US Representative’s DC or district office. It is also important to have FIVE additional voters send in written or emailed letters in support. Finally, we ask that you consider topping off your help by sending in a letter to the editor of your local paper.

It is easy to take action! Email the NNNO Board if you would like a packet of information delivered via email that you can print and deliver directly to your US Representative’s District Office. We now have Talking Points available as well as a template that you can easily edit to submit your own letter to the editor. This is a great way to practice nursing activism while getting to know your own member of Congress.

Improving the Health of America: National Nurse Act of 2011 Introduced in Congress

2011-12-27T03:22:00.000-08:00

Washington D.C.—Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30) introduced HR 3679, The National Nurse Act of 2011 on December 15, 2011. This legislation, co led by Congressman Peter King (NY-3) will create the National Nurse for Public Health by designating the existing position of the Chief Nurse Officer of the US Public Health Service to serve in that capacity. This bill elevates this nurse into a full time leadership position to focus on the critical work needed to address national priorities of health promotion and disease prevention. Major efforts will be directed at improving health literacy and decreasing health disparities in America.

Teri Mills MS, RN, CNE who serves as President of the National Nursing Network Organization first introduced the concept for a National Nurse in a 2005 NY Times op/ed. "There is overwhelming evidence supporting the critical need to boost health promotion and prevention efforts as well as answer the public demand for increased leadership in nursing. HR 3679 will bring forth the significant and trusted voice of the nurse to the ongoing conversation about health and health care in America," said Mills. "We are delighted to have immediate bipartisan support for this legislation and hope that Congress agrees to pass this quickly."

More importantly, the National Nurse for Public Health would accurately portray nursing leadership (as opposed to negative media stereotypes) and will enhance the image of nursing and improve public awareness of the many roles nurses fulfill in protecting public health. A January 2010 Gallup Poll conducted by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation revealed that 86 percent of those surveyed stated they would like to see nurses have more influence in promoting wellness and expanding preventive care. This legislation demonstrates how a nurse leader can contribute to health policy and planning decisions to meet the recommendations of the Institute of Medicine’s 2010 report, The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health.

Recently, the International Council of Nurses surveyed 1600 nurses and found overwhelming evidence that nurses want to lead in the global fight against the further spread of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Ninety-five percent of the respondents want to use their skills and time to educate individuals about the threat and prevention of NCDs. The government was identified as the top group (71%) who could offer support, information, and training to nurses to help them better address the prevention of NCDs. As a visible professional spokesperson, the National Nurse for Public Health will serve as a beacon and leader in a nationwide focus on health promotion and illnesses prevention.

“Nurses already incorporate teaching as a cornerstone of nursing care no matter where that care is being delivered. In addition, nursing interventions for health promotion are powerful tools for prevention in community settings,” states NNNO Board Member Elizabeth McPhee RN. “Furthermore, the Gallup poll indicates year after year that Americans listen to nurses about their health. We believe the nursing profession has the expertise, the skills and the commitment needed to shift the tide towards prevention and begin to improve our nation's health at a time when chronic preventable conditions are occurring at astronomical rates.”

“The National Nurse Act of 2011 provides an innovative, pragmatic, and cost effective solution and one that will help to heighten awareness of components outlined in the recently published National Prevention Strategy,“ says Mills. "Furthermore, states, including Oregon, are exploring how to provide cost effective healthcare and recognize that this process begins with disease prevention. Having a National Nurse for Public Health will add the trusted voice of the nurse to this equation."

For more information on HR 3679 The National Nurse Act of 2011, visit: http://nationalnurse.org

HR 3679 National Nurse Act of 2011 Introduced!

2011-12-16T07:20:00.000-08:00

Pictured: Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Contact: Lauren Wilson, Communications Director
2468 Rayburn House Office Building Washington DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-8885 Fax: (202) 226-1477 www.house.gov/ebjohnson

CONGRESSWOMAN EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON INTRODUCES THE NATIONAL NURSE ACT OF 2011, HR 3679

Washington, DC – (Friday, December 16) – Yesterday, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) introduced the NATIONAL NURSE ACT OF 2011, HR 3679. The bill, co-led by Congressman Peter King (R-NY), has garnered eighteen original co-sponsors. It would designate the Chief Nurse Officer of the U.S. Public Health Service as the “National Nurse for Public Health.”

The National Nurse would function alongside the Surgeon General and focus on health promotion, improving health literacy, and decreasing health disparities.

“The National Nurse Act of 2011 is an important piece of legislation that would establish a focal point for promoting health and disease prevention. There are currently 3.4 million nurses, making the demographic the largest sector of healthcare workers in the United States.

“As the first registered nurse in Congress, I believe that having a National Nurse focused on prevention activities will help reduce illnesses and decrease the costs for care and services,” said Congresswoman Johnson.

The National Nurse Act of 2011 is currently endorsed by dozens of prominent nursing organizations and key stakeholders.

###

U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson is the highest-ranking Texan on the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure and a senior member of the Science Committee. She represents the 30th Congressional District of Texas, which, includes Downtown Dallas, Fair Park, Oak Lawn, Turtle Creek, Old East Dallas, Pleasant Grove, & South Oak Cliff; all of Balch Springs, DeSoto, Hutchins, Lancaster & Wilmer and parts of Cedar Hill, Duncanville, Ferris, Glenn Heights and Ovilla.

Welcome to the NNNO Board of Directors!

2011-11-28T13:37:00.000-08:00

Pictured: Elizabeth McPhee RN

The National Nursing Network Organization (NNNO) is pleased to welcome Elizabeth "Liz" McPhee RN to the Board of Directors. Liz served as the Chair of the NNNO Advocacy Team for the past year and a half. She organized many key fundraising drives that included ticket sales from professional hockey and soccer games in Portland, Oregon. Liz has accompanied Board members to Washington DC and has been instrumental in gaining key endorsements for the National Nurse Act of 2011.

The following is now posted on the About Us webpage:

Elizabeth McPhee graduated from Portland Community College (PCC) with an Associate Degree in Nursing in 2010. Elizabeth served as Vice President and then the President of the PCC National Student Nurses Association Chapter while in school and led numerous community service projects. Prevention is one of her passions. Liz planned and organized multiple healthy living fairs including a Heart Smart in the Park for children and a Love Your Heart event during February for cardiovascular month. Throughout her education, Elizabeth was recognized for her leadership and scholastic excellence. She was selected to be the Phi Theta Kappa/Coca-Cola Silver Scholar and also received the Oregon Scholar Award.

Following graduation, Elizabeth was hired to work on a medical floor at Oregon Health Sciences University. Elizabeth currently serves as a volunteer of the Clackamas County Medical Reserve Unit. She is a member of the Oregon Nurses Association and the American Nurses Association. Elizabeth authored We Need a National Nurse! What YOU Can Do which was published in August 2010 in Working Nurse, a publication that reaches over 100,000 nurses in Southern California.

Honor the First African-American Female General

2011-11-14T13:32:00.000-08:00

Pictured: General Hazel Johnson-Brown

The National Nursing Network Organization is proud to join the American Nurses Association in support of Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson's resolution honoring the service and accomplishments of General Hazel Johnson-Brown.

Honor the First African-American Female General

“Race is an incidence of birth. I hope the criterion for selection didn’t include race but competence.”
General Hazel Johnson-Brown

Current Original Cosponsors: Reps. Sheila Jackson Lee, Barbara Lee, Madeleine Bordallo, Jessie L. Jackson, Jr., Yvette Clarke, Karen Bass, Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, Pedro Pierluisi, Marcia Fudge, Charles Rangel, James McGovern, Lamar Smith, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Robert E. Andrews, Steve Israel, Corrine Brown, Gregory W. Meeks, Frederica Wilson, Raul Grijalva, G. K. Butterfield, Hank Johnson, Emanuel Cleaver, Laura Richardson

Dear Colleague:

Please join me in paying tribute to Brigadier General Hazel Johnson-Brown, the first African-American woman to hold the rank of General in the U.S. Military Services and the first African-American to hold the position of Chief of the Army Nurse Corps.

Gen. Johnson-Brown received her nursing diploma in 1950 from the Harlem Hospital School of Nursing. Gen. Johnson-Brown had originally applied for admission at the West Chester School of Nursing, but was turned away because of her skin color. After receiving her nursing diploma, Gen. Johnson-Brown entered the U.S. Army where she became a pioneering military nurse. Despite facing adversity in the early stages of her career, Gen. Johnson-Brown quickly climbed the military ranks due to her keen leadership abilities and notable skills in the operating room. After a distinguished career in the Army, Gen. Johnson-Brown enjoyed a second career in academia founding and serving as director of the George Mason University Center for Health Policy.

I urge you to become an original cosponsor of this resolution which recognizes Gen. Johnson-Brown’s service to her country, as well as her contributions to the nursing profession. This effort is supported by the American Nurses Association. If you would like to cosponsor this resolution, contact Jamie Jackson at jamie.jackson@mail.house.gov or 202-225-8885.

Sincerely,

Eddie Bernice Johnson
Member of Congress

HHS Releases Healthy People 2020 Indicators

2011-11-07T01:47:00.000-08:00

Every ten years the Department of Health and Human Services develops a list of priority health indicator topic areas and publishes those as Healthy People goals for the next decade. Assistant Secretary for Health Howard Koh announced the Healthy People 2020 indicators at the American Public Health Association's annual conference in Washington last week. These indicators include access to health services; clinical preventive services, environmental quality; injury and violence; maternal, infant and child health; mental health; nutrition, physical activity and obesity; oral health (which made this list for the first time); reproductive and sexual health; social determinants (a theme that reportedly received a round of applause and has galvanized decision-makers); substance abuse; and tobacco.

Assistant Secretary Koh said these areas represent a call to action that will reflect the nation’s health objectives for the next decade, and stated “The indicators are intended to help health and public health professionals assess the health of the nation, facilitate collaboration and action, and help motivate entire communities to action.” He also announced that starting in the new year, the U.S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion will launch a new monthly series highlighting those who are addressing the leading indicators in innovative ways.

"Shoot for the stars," Koh said. "If you only land on the moon, you are still out of this world."

Supporters of the National Nurse Act of 2011 believes these Healthy People 2020 goals will set a compass for many nurses willing to be guided by a National Nurse for Public Health to become influential activists in their communities. For more information on the new leading health indicators, visit www.healthypeople.gov/2020/LHI/default.aspx

AJN Letter to the Editor

2011-10-24T01:32:00.000-07:00

Reprinted from Letters. American Journal of Nursing . (October, 2011). Vol. 111, No. 10. p. 13

NATIONAL NURSE

In “Where’s Nursing at the WHO?” (Editorial, July), Maureen Shawn Kennedy excellently reiterates how important it is for nurses to fill critical leadership roles yet sadly acknowledges that even the World Health Organization (WHO) has failed to reinstate the position of chief nurse scientist (since 2009). Currently, there is legislation in Congress—HR 1119, the National Nurse Act of 2011—to elevate the role of the chief nurse officer of the U.S. Public Health Service to be full time and re-named “the National Nurse for Public Health.” Increasing visibility of this prominent nurse leader will highlight nursing’s roles in health promotion and other public health career paths.

It’s also likely to strengthen recruitment to public health nursing, a critical need discussed in publish best practices for all organizations to access. Pamela J. Duffey, BSN, RN Fort Worth, TX the Viewpoint column entitled “A Public Health Nursing Shortage” in this same issue of AJN. This legislation demonstrates how a nurse leader can contribute to health policy and planning decisions to meet the recommendations of the Institute of Medicine’s 2010 report, The Future of Nursing : Leading Change, Advancing Health. Equally important, HR 1119 would “provide leadership and coordination of Public Health Service nursing professional affairs for the Office of the Surgeon General and other agencies of the Public Health Service, including providing representation for the Government of the United States at the [WHO’s] Global Forum for Government Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officers. . .”

For more information, visit the Web site of the National Nursing Network Organization: http://nationalnurse.org.
Susan Sullivan, MSN, RN, PHN
Santa Ana, CA

Healthy Lifestyle Results in Increased Longevity

2011-10-10T03:55:00.000-07:00

A new study published August 18th in the American Journal of Public Health and released by the CDC affirms that living healthy will increase your life span. Just implementing four healthy behaviors-not smoking, eating health, exercising regularly, and avoiding excessive use of alcohol results in a 63% decrease in death from any cause compared to those individuals who practiced none of these healthy habits.

From this study, “Compared to those who didn't engage in any of the healthy behaviors, those who practiced all four healthy habits were 66 percent less likely to die early from cancer, 65 percent less likely to die early from cardiovascular disease, and 57 percent less likely to die early from other causes.”

Americans are taking heed to the fact that the one habit that offers the most protection from dying young is not to smoke. While the number of smokers has decreased significantly, only a small percentage of Americans practice all four healthy behaviors.

The language in HR 1119 The National Nurse Act of 2011 calls for the National Nurse for Public Health to engage nurses and health professionals to volunteer and help to replicate successful programs of wellness and prevention, such as those being implemented by the Medical Reserve Corps. There are many great materials available, but the messages need to be delivered on the local level in a more effective manner and in a way that addresses the diversity within the local community.

Preventable Conditions Lead to Decline in US Life Expectancy

2011-09-26T01:59:00.000-07:00

A recent study found that Europeans are currently outliving Americans by 18 months, and contributing culprits appear to be smoking and obesity, both preventable conditions. Researchers compared the average life span in the United States with the average age of death in Western European countries that included Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden. That same study found that the United States could close the gap by reducing rates of obesity and obesity-related chronic illness including diabetes and hypertension.

Prevention of these chronic conditions would also pay off economically, potentially saving $17,791 per person in health care costs. These researchers also projected that by 2050, health care savings from gradual middle-age health improvements could surpass $1.1 trillion. Medicare and Medicaid alone could save $632 billion!

The American Nurses Association's SmartBrief reported that nursing will experience robust job growth through 2018 as our country focuses on wellness and preventive medicine. This article acknowledges that nurses are particularly adept at addressing poor lifestyle choices like bad diet and smoking.

The National Nursing Network Organization encourages you to support HR 1119 The National Nurse Act of 2011 to provide nurses and the public with a prominent, visible nurse leader for health promotion and disease prevention. Nurses don't just take care of sick people, they take care of well people to make sure they don't get sick!

NNNO Board Visits HHS and Capitol Hill

2011-09-12T00:18:00.000-07:00

Pictured left to right: RADM Boris D. Lushniak MD, MPH, (Deputy Surgeon General); Susan Sullivan MSN, RN, PHN (NNNO Secretary); Teri Mills MS, RN, CNE (NNNO President); Elizabeth McPhee RN (NNNO Advocacy Chair); Debbie Orre (NNNO Board Member); RADM Kerry Nesseler MS, RN (Assistant Surgeon General and Chief Nurse Officer USPHS)

The National Nursing Network Organization ((NNNO) wishes to thank RADM Kerry Nesseler MS, RN (Assistant Surgeon General and Chief Nurse Officer USPHS) and RADM Boris D. Lushniak MD, MPH, (Deputy Surgeon General) for meeting with several members of the Board of Directors during their visit to Washington DC this month.

We were especially excited to learn that RADM Nesseler and RADM Lushniak recognize how closely aligned this legislation is to the National Prevention Strategy released in June 2011. The overarching goal of the National Prevention Strategy is to increase the number of Americans who are healthy at every stage of life. During the meeting, we were provided a print copy of this document that is now posted online. It is a strong collaborative plan describing overall goals and strategies to achieve a healthier nation. The NNNO appreciates the amount of time that RADM Nesseler and RADM Lushniak spent with us and for the valuable insights they shared.

Congressional staff members whom the NNNO met with following our visit at the Department of Health and Human Services also recognize the value of elevating the Chief Nurse Officer (CNO) position to full time status and designating it to be known as the National Nurse for Public Health. Many staffers were familiar with the National Prevention Strategy and could see the strong relationship between HR 1119 The National Nurse Act of 2011 and this report. The NNNO appreciates the amount of time that RADM Nesseler and RADM Lushniak spent with us and for the valuable insights they shared.

Another positive aspect of this DC trip was that we were able to meet with almost an equal number of legislative staffers from both political parties. We noted more awareness and enthusiasm on both sides of the aisle for the bill.

We want to especially recognize and thank all supporters who made financial contributions towards our trip. This resulted in our ability to deliver dozens of informational packets and introduce many staffers to the bill for the first time. We were pleasantly surprised by the number of significant conversations we were able to have with the Legislative Director or health policy staff despite not having prior scheduled appointments.

California Alliance for Retired Americans Endorses National Nurse Act of 2011!

2011-08-29T04:02:00.000-07:00

Thank you to the California Alliance for Retired Americans for their recent endorsement of HR 1119 The National Nurse Act of 2011. The California Alliance for Retired Americans (CARA) is a statewide nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that unites retired workers and community groups to win social and economic justice, full civil rights, and a better, more secure future for future generations. CARA is a state affiliate of the Alliance for Retired Americans.

From CARA's website: "The Alliance is an organization of retirees who are committed to activism and want to influence the policies of government to improve the well being of California's older adults. As an umbrella organization for more than 165 affiliated groups, CARA serves a combined membership of over 800,000 Californians. Its broad-based coalition includes senior centers, tenant associations, retired public employee organizations, trade union retirees, and a variety of other agencies and associations."

We are proud to include this prestigious organization as a supporter of HR 1119 The National Nurse Act of 2011. For a complete list of endorsers please visit http://nationalnurse.org/endorsements.shtml

TAANA Unanimously Endorses HR 1119 The National Nurse Act of 2011

2011-08-15T01:40:00.000-07:00

Thank you to The American Association of Nurse Attorneys (TAANA), TAANA Board of Directors and President Edie Brous RN, Esq, for their overwhelming support of HR 1119 The National Nurse Act of 2011. Here is the endorsement letter sent to President Teri Mills and the National Nursing Network Organization's Board of Directors:

Dear President Mills,

The Board of Directors of The American Association of Nurse Attorneys (TAANA), voted unanimously to support HR 1119 The National Nurse Act of 2011 during their June, 2011 Board of Directors meeting. TAANA believes the establishment of a more prominent and visible presence of nursing will promote the profession and consequently, the public health.

The National Nurse Act of 2011 is especially appealing to our members, because it takes an existing and already funded position, the Chief Nurse Officer of the USPHS, and asks that this nurse be designated as the National Nurse for Public Health. Bestowing this unique title will provide the necessary authority, stature, impetus and recognition to deliver messages of health promotion and disease prevention.

This timely piece of legislation comes at a time when many individuals in our country suffer with chronic and preventable conditions. Establishing this position will not only reduce the occurrence of illness, but will also decrease the costs for care and services which is critically important as our country continues to deal with economic uncertainty.

TAANA is proud to lend our collective voice towards this effort and strongly supports HR 1119, The National Nurse Act of 2011 and we look forward to continuing our work with the National Nursing Network Organization to achieve passage of this legislation.

Sincerely,
Edie Brous RN, BSN, MS, MPH, JD
2011 TAANA President

The Debt Crisis in America and HR 1119 The National Nurse Act of 2011

2011-08-01T03:11:00.000-07:00

Many have asked about the cost benefit ratio of HR 1119 The National Nurse Act of 2011. The potential return on investment that could result with passage of this legislation is tremendous. Take Type 2 diabetes as an example of one preventable disease. The CDC website reports that in 2007, the most recent year that statistics were collected, 25.8 million Americans who were diagnosed with diabetes cost $174 billion for the care they received. This is an average cost of $6744 per patient.

Given that there are 79 million people at risk for diabetes, the resulting cost would be (25.8 million + 79 million) times $6744 = $ 706.79 billion, an increase of $532.79 billion!

If the National Nurse for Public Health could engage others in delivering proven successful programs that work to prevent Type 2 DM, and could stop even 1% of those at-risk from developing diabetes, this would represent a savings of 0.01 times $532.79 billion = $5.33 billion. This could also be calculated by saying that 1% of 79 million = 790,000 people, which would save 790,000 times $6744 = $5.33 billion.

Prevention saves money and more importantly, eliminates needless suffering and saves lives. Let's all make a concerted effort and make sure that HR 1119 The National Nurse Act of 2011 is enacted into law soon.

RN Advocates that National Nurse for Public Health Will Enhance Homeland Security

2011-07-18T01:25:00.000-07:00

Rita Batchley BSN, RN believes there is a direct connection between a National Nurse for Public Health and our national well-being and safety. In Batchley’s article, “A Matter of National Security” , she claims from her own experience as a registered nurse for over 25 years that nurses are as much safety officers as our police, firefighters, and military personnel. Batchley goes on to say,

“Nurses are essential to changing our nation to a culture of prevention because of our sheer numbers, our presence in every cultural community, and because we are so trusted by the public. The fact that a school nurse must be shared between institutions and have been cut so drastically across our nation is an appalling example of how the low number of nurses in proportion to a population can produce devastating effects. Our nation is leading in childhood obesity and teenage pregnancy when this statistic could be redirected if an ample number of nurses were employed by each school.

But alas the significant contributions made by nurses are neither encouraged nor widely recognized. This is why I am now a supporter of HR 1119 The National Nurse Act of 2011. This legislation will elevate the Chief Nurse Officer of the US Public Health Service to a prominent position with the unique title of the National Nurse. From this vantage point, a National Nurse will be able to raise awareness of public health issues, offer authoritative guidance on implementing evidence-based prevention, and encourage nurses everywhere to become involved in their community’s prevention programs.

With healthcare reform on the horizon, now is the time for all nurses to become activists to help our nation shift to preventative medicine. HR 1119 will be a way to get this process started, and it will raise the importance of public health and recruit youth into community nursing careers. I hope I can count on your support for HR 1119 . We need articulate nurses with a passion for improving our society to become advocates for this initiative. If you have not already done so, please visit the website: http://nationalnurse.org and contact your area Representative to urge support of HR 1119 . This grassroots movement continues to grow because nurses like you get involved.

Remember: ignorance and disease can invade and destroy any nation that is unwilling to bring awareness and action into power. A National Nurse is a homeland security measure that is a necessary matter of fact.”

Thank You Portland Timbers!

2011-07-03T08:54:00.000-07:00

Pictured: Teri Mills MS, RN, CNE (President NNNO), Elizabeth McPhee RN (NNNO Advocacy Team Chair), Nancy Kraushaar (NNNO Supporter)

Last night supporters of HR 1119 The National Nurse Act of 2011 gathered at Jeld Wen Park in Portland Oregon to cheer on the Portland Timbers soccer team. We want to thank the Portland Timbers soccer team for generously donating a portion of over 80 tickets to the National Nursing Network Organization. This contribution will help defray the cost of the next planned trip to Washington DC. Special thanks to Elizabeth McPhee RN, Chair of the NNNO Advocacy Team who took the lead and made sure that every ticket was sold!
Pictured: Lisette Ortega RN and Coral Tran RN (NNNO Supporters)

Answering the Call for Nurse Leaders to Advance Our Nation's Health

2011-06-22T08:49:00.000-07:00

As state nursing groups around the country begin to tackle the implementation of the IOM/Future of Nursing Report, many believe that there is a direct correlation between this legislation and the Report. Supporters of HR 1119 The National Nurse Act of 2011 are in strong agreement that nurses must participate fully in the transformation of America's healthcare system and this key message "Nurses should be full partners, with physicians and other health care professionals, in redesigning health care in the United States" resonates strongly.

Specifically, the goal and vision of HR 1119 The National Nurse Act of 2011 is to elevate and enhance the Office of the PHS Chief Nurse to bring more visibility to the critical role nursing occupies in promoting, protecting, and advancing the nation's health. In addition to fulfilling the current role of the CNO, the National Nurse for Public Health will:

* Provide guidance and leadership for activities to promote the public health.
* Develop projects that educate the public about and engage the public in prevention practices to achieve better health.
* Provide guidance and leadership to encourage nurses to engage in furthering their education in order to conduct nursing research. Increase the awareness of evidence-based practice.
* Participate in the identification of national health priorities.
* Strengthen the relationship between Government agencies and health-related national organizations.
* Promote the dissemination of evidence-based practice in educating the public on health promotion and disease prevention activities.
* Encourage practicing nurses and other health professionals, including retired health professionals and students enrolled in health professional programs, to participate in health promotion activities and replicate successful health promotion.

These activities directly correlate with Recommendation # 7 of the IOM/Future of Nursing Report and one of its sub-objectives:

"Prepare and enable nurses to lead change to advance health. Nurses, nursing education programs, and nursing associations should prepare the nursing workforce to assume leadership positions across all levels, while public, private, and governmental health care decision makers should ensure that leadership positions are available to and filled by nurses.

Public, private, and governmental healthcare decision makers at every level should include representation from nursing on boards, on executive management teams, and in other key leadership positions."

Please contact the NNNO Board of Directors to learn how you and organizations you belong to can support this legislation that offers a pragmatic means to fully implement these worthy goals.

Educating Others About HR 1119 The National Nurse Act of 2011

2011-06-01T03:57:00.000-07:00

Thanks to a group of dedicated nursing students in Oregon, the National Nursing Network Organization now has a brochure available providing an explanation of HR 1119. This pamphlet can be used if you are planning an event or educational meeting on this legislation. Please email the NNNO Board of Directors for a copy today!

Overwhelmingly Nurses Desire Further Involvement in Preventing Non-Communicable Diseases

2011-05-23T02:19:00.000-07:00

Just released this week, a new International Council of Nurses survey of nurses from eight countries reveals "Nurses want to lead in the global fight against the further spread of non-communicable diseases" and "ninety-five percent of the 1600 nurses polled across eight countries want to use their skills and time to educate individuals about the threat and prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs)".

“Nurses, in numbers exceeding 13 million worldwide, are the front-line answer to tackling NCDs,” said David Benton, chief executive officer of ICN, in a news release. “They want to enable individuals and communities to enhance their wellness." The article goes on to stress that excessive workloads result in nurses being overloaded and unfortunately, "if they are, then they cannot take the time to counsel and educate, and that is clearly counterproductive."

Benton continues, “With the globally escalating problems of NCD mortality and morbidity and soaring costs, governments around the world should not miss the opportunity to capitalize on the enthusiasm and expertise that nurses can bring to addressing this global health crisis. We must provide maximum support to nurses so we unleash their power to fight these debilitating and deadly diseases.”

• Nurses think that, overall, governments are doing a good job in beginning to address the NCD global crisis, with 85% giving favorable responses in the survey. But they also believe that, with the right support, nurses can make a major difference in NCD prevention.

• More than half of the nurses surveyed believe they can have a great deal of influence on individuals and communities to take the necessary steps to reduce the likelihood of developing NCDs.

• Respondents identified government (71%), nursing associations (65%) and media (68%) as the top groups that can offer further support, information and training to nurses so they can better address NCDs.

“Nurses are the healthcare professionals closest to patients, and they are sending us a clear message: If nurses get the resources and time they need, they can arm people with the knowledge to help them make the critical lifestyle changes that will ultimately help combat the NCD crisis and improve global health,” Paula DeCola, RN, MSc., Pfizer External Medical Affairs, said in a release.

Because there is no immediate solution to the growing workload burdens of most nurses, engaging those nurses, students and active retirees who can and will get involved makes good sense. HR 1119 The National Nurse Act of 2011 would be a simple and cost effective start toward engaging more nurses in community prevention efforts under the guidance of the National Nurse for Public Health. It seems so logical-why not try it?

Greater Passaic Valley Public Health Nurses Association Endorses HR 1119

2011-05-11T00:01:00.000-07:00

Thank you to the Greater Passaic Valley (New Jersey) Public Health Nurses Association for their unanimous vote of support for HR 1119 The National Nurse Act of 2011. Here is their letter of support:

April 28, 2011

National Nursing Network Organization
c/o Teri Mills

Dear Teri,

The Greater Passaic Valley Public Health Nurses Association is an organization of approximately forty-five Public Health Nurses from the northern New Jersey area. The current legislation establishing a National Nurse for Public Health has been among newsworthy items shared during monthly meetings. A program regarding HR 1119, the bill outlining and establishing a National Nurse, was presented to the nurses on March 24, 2011. At the subsequent meeting on April 28 the nurses unanimously moved to support HR 1119 with a letter and a monetary donation to NNNO to educate an elected official about HR 1119 and the benefits of establishing a National Nurse for Public Health.

The Greater Passaic Valley Public Health Nurses Association supports establishment of a National Nurse for Public Health because we believe that

1. The National Nurse will strengthen public health principles and the public health nursing perspective at a higher level of government.
2. The National Nurse will be the voice of the collective tenets upon which all public health nurses base their practices.
3. The National Nurse will be a visible presence in the media to advocate for public health issues.

The Greater Passaic Valley Public Health Nurses Association thanks the members of the National Nursing Network Organization for their tenacity and dedication to seeing HR 1119 become a reality by establishing the position of National Nurse for Public Health. Please accept our donation of $100.00 to continue toward this goal. We are eager to add our voice to this message and effort.

Yours in good health,

Leslie Leonard, RN, BSN
GPVPHNA President

Happy Nurses Week!

2011-05-05T05:45:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow we kick off a week long celebration of our country's nurses-National Nurses Week. National Nurses Week is an excellent opportunity to promote HR 1119 The National Nurse Act of 2011. Years ago the leaders of our nation declared there be an annual National Nurses observance to celebrate and recognize our nation's nurses. Each year healthcare providers including hospitals, public health departments and schools of nursing plan events during this week to show nurses how they are valued and appreciated, while raising public awareness of the unique contributions nurses make to society 24/7 all year long.

This is an important week for nurses, because the focus acknowledges the unique contributions of nurses in every community. It is also an opportune time to raise public awareness of how and why nurses are mobilizing alongside the National Nursing Network Organization to establish a National Nurse for Public Health. Nurses deserve to have a year round prominent leader positioned in Washington DC to represent nurses and advocate for the populations we serve. The health of the nation represents tremendous social capital, and will be enhanced and protected with a prominent and visible nurse leading health promotion and disease prevention efforts.

If your organization has not yet decided what action to take in observance of National Nurses Week, we recommend that you write a letter to the editor urging Congress to pass HR 1119 The National Nurse Act of 2011. Here are some other suggestions:

• Write a brief article or letter for your nursing organization's newsletter about HR 1119 The National Nurse Act of 2011. Every American Needs a Nurse is just one example of many that you can use to write your story.

• Contact your legislative representatives, let them know you favor having a National Nurse for Public Health. Sample letters and phone scripts are available on the National Nurse website.

• Make a small donation to the National Nursing Network Organization either on line or by emailing teri@nationalnurse.info to find out where to send a check. To thank you for your support, we would be delighted to send a certificate of recognition to a respected nursing colleague whom you identify to us to acknowledge their contributions to nursing practice and community and public health.

• Plan a family friendly community health fair event, staffed by nurses and nursing students.

• Make a poster board to display about HR 1119 The National Nurse Act of 2011. We have many handouts available to assist you.

• Consider purchasing a button or bumper-sticker to support the ONN campaign at CafePress. Merchandise features the logo 'What Would Flo Do?'

• Request a presentation from an NNNO Board member and we will do our best to meet your needs.

• Ask that five of your colleagues sign up to receive the National Nurse newsletter; this is a great way to spread the news about the ONN initiative.

• Join the National Nurse Campaign on Facebook.

Our Board members are willing to help you with planning. What is most important is that we all "seize the moment" and join the celebration of National Nurses Week!

"Health is not only to be well, but to use well every power we have."
Florence Nightingale, 1893

No Pity!

2011-04-28T07:39:00.000-07:00

Portland’s Major League Soccer team, The Timbers, are teaming up with the National Nursing Network Organization for the Saturday night, July 2nd game against Sporting Kansas City!

The Portland Timbers have generously donated a section of 75 seats and are contributing $10.00 of each ticket sale to the NNNO to support our important campaign. Timbers games are one of the hottest tickets in Portland right now and each soccer game is typically sold out! As a matter of fact those who want Season Ticket packages are currently on a wait list!

One lucky attendee in our section will win a Timbers jersey to be drawn at halftime. There are still tickets available to purchase for just $25.00 each; that is a $4.00 discount off of the box office for this Tier One event!
Email Lizzy McPhee to purchase your ticket now!

We are deeply appreciative to the Timbers for their generosity.

Article Written to Voice Support of HR 1119 The National Nurse Act of 2011

2011-04-21T03:57:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Keith Carlson BSN, RN for writing an informative and persuasive article on HR 1119 The National Nurse Act of 2011.

Keith writes: "The establishment of the position of the National Nurse for Public Health would set a new standard for a more accurate and realistic recognition of nursing's importance to health and health care in the United States. If the federal government enthusiastically and publicly embraced nursing, making its crucial contributions crystal clear, perhaps the public, the media and the private sector would all then have a greater understanding of, and appreciation for, the multitudinous ways in which nursing positively impacts the health of millions of Americans.

Most importantly, however, the establishment of this position would certainly bring an important voice even more strongly to the ongoing conversation about health and health care in America. A National Nurse for Public Health could, in effect, deliver a unified message of preventive health at a time when millions of Americans---including millions of children---live without health insurance or access to regular primary care. At a time of crisis and uncertainty vis-a-vis the health of the country, the National Nurse could very well be a welcome, stabilizing and empowering voice of reason and prevention."

Congratulations to Representative Anthony Weiner (NY-9) and Jemma Marie-Hanson RN-PEF Regional Coordinator

2011-04-15T05:59:00.000-07:00

(Pictured: Jemma Marie-Hanson and Representative Weiner)

The National Nursing Network Organization congratulates Representative Anthony Weiner (NY-9) and Jemma Marie-Hanson RN who were honored for their outstanding accomplishments during the CBID 42nd Anniversary Dinner.

Representative Weiner, the original sponsor of HR 1119 The National Nurse Act of 2011, grew up in Brooklyn, and now lives in Queens. The son of a public school teacher, and the product of our public schools, he graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School in 1981 and SUNY Plattsburgh in 1985.

After college, he went to work for then—Congressman Charles Schumer—and, after more than six years working for the Congressman, he was elected to the City Council. When Congressman Schumer ran for Senate, Weiner ran to replace him in the district that included Brooklyn and Queens and was elected to Congress in 1998. He was immediately appointed to the powerful Judiciary Committee and was elected “Whip” of his class.

Representative Weiner currently sits on the Energy and Commerce Committee, which has the largest jurisdiction in the U.S. House, overseeing telecommunications, public health, air quality and environmental protection, the nation’s energy policy, and interstate and foreign commerce. The CBID paid special tribute to Representative Weiner for his passionate fight for quality, affordable healthcare for all.

Jemma Marie-Hanson RN is the regional coordinator for the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF), an affiliate of both the Service Employees International Union and the American Federation of Teachers. Jemma is a strong advocate for HR 1119 The National Nurse Act of 2011

Jemma began her career as a Registered nurse in 1983. Throughout her career, Jemma has been an outspoken advocate and teacher for parents, children and infants as well as a strong advocate for her fellow professionals and for all patients.

In 2006, Jemma was nominated through the State Assembly for appointment to the Board of Directors of Nassau Medical Center- Nassau Health Care Corporation in East Meadow, L.I., related to her activism in Long Island. She was appointed in 2007 by Assembly Speaker Silver and is the board chair for the Meadowbrook Medical Education and Research Foundation which assigns grants to specialties in the hospital. She also serves on the Medical and Professional Affairs Committee, A. Holly Paterson Extended Care Committee, and Community Health Center Committee.

Thank you to both these outstanding individuals for their service and advocacy to improve the health of our nation.

National Nurse Team Returns to Capitol Hill

2011-04-07T11:20:00.000-07:00

Pictured left to right: Tara Candela JD, RN (NNNO Advocacy Team Member); Alisa Schneider MN, RN (NNNO Vice President); Robin Lloyd (Legislative Assistant to Congressman Anthony Weiner (NY-09); Teri Mills MS, RN, CNE (NNNO President); Melissa Fox MSN, RN

According to basketball coach Pat Riley, “You’re either in or you’re out. There’s no such thing as life in between.” The National Nurse Campaign is people powered with many nurses and key stakeholders who are willing to become involved because they too recognize the potential a National Nurse for Public Health has for improving the health of our nation.

Since the introduction of HR 1119 The National Nurse Act of 2011, the National Nursing Network Organization (NNNO) has heard from dozens of enthusiastic supporters who are eager to participate and lend a hand. Many sent money, several emailed and called their US Representative’s office to urge them to sign on to this bill, some are seeking the endorsement of organizations they belong to, one presented the bill when talking with nursing students about healthcare reform in the 21st century, and one is using this bill as an experiential exercise in an upcoming national conference!

Tara Candela JD, RN and Melissa Fox MSN, RN joined members of the NNNO Board of Directors as they met with staffers from the offices of 34 US Representatives. On several occasions, staff members recognized the names of constituents whose certificate was on the front of the packets of information that were presented to them. The staff stated these same individuals contacted them personally and because of this, they were closely following this bill. Staffers took notes, asked thorough questions, and we appreciated the time they spent on this legislation. Almost all of them had a family member or a friend who is a nurse, and they understood the important role nurses fulfill in healthcare and especially in health promotion and illness prevention.

Personal visits and face-to-face encounters are so important to moving legislators to support this bill. We want to thank our team and supporters who take the time to join us in these trips, and thank those who financially contribute to assure their continuation.

HR 1119 The National Nurse Act of 2011 Press Release

2011-04-01T02:02:00.000-07:00

Congressman Anthony Weiner (NY-09)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 30, 2011

Every American Needs a Nurse!

Washington D.C.--Congressman Anthony Weiner (NY-9), on behalf of nurses across the country including AFT-Oregon members and Portland Community College (Oregon) nurse educators Teri Mills and Alisa Schneider, introduced HR 1119 into Congress to establish a National Nurse for Public Health on March 16, 2011. The National Nurse Act of 2011 will designate the existing position of the Chief Nurse Officer of the US Public Health Service to serve as the National Nurse for Public Health. This nurse will continue to work along side the Surgeon General and focus on the priorities of health promotion, disease prevention, improving health literacy, and decreasing health disparities.

“Nurses play a vital role in the well-being of our country and their contributions should be recognized accordingly,” Rep. Anthony Weiner (D – Queens and Brooklyn) said. “It’s important that we create a National Nurse for Public Health to help better organize our efforts to combat the many pressing health issues we face today.”

Mills, who serves as President of the National Nursing Network Organization (NNNO) introduced the concept for a National Nurse in an op/ed, America's Nurse, published in The New York Times (May 20, 2005), and reprinted later that month in The Oregonian.

"Agreement abounds on the nation's need for more emphasis on prevention in our quest for social justice and improved health outcomes, and the concept of having a publicly recognized nurse leader for prevention is the basis for the movement to create a National Nurse for Public Health," said Mills. "Members of Congress agree and already ten US Representatives have agreed to co-sponsor this legislation."

A January, 2010 Gallup Poll, conducted by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation revealed that 86 percent of those surveyed stated they would like to see nurses have more influence in promoting wellness and expanding preventive care. According to the Institute of Medicine and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation report, The Future of Nursing : Leading Change, Advancing Health, more nurse leaders are needed throughout healthcare. “The National Nurse Act of 2011 provides an innovative, pragmatic, and cost effective solution and one that augments many prevention components in the Patient Affordability and Protection Act of 2010,” says Mills.

Schneider, Vice President of the NNNO said the National Nurse could be instrumental in the fight against obesity. "Americans across the country and of all ages are struggling with obesity and its complications. With the cost of obesity projected at $300 billion per year, prevention must continue as a priority for this country. A National Nurse for Public Health would add an important voice in this discussion."

Reviving the $20 Campaign for HR 1119 The National Nurse Act of 2011

2011-03-27T15:12:00.001-07:00

You are the driving force behind the National Nurse Campaign and there are no words to express how grateful we are for your support. Please don't miss this opportunity to invest in the future of nursing and in the health of America. A donation of $20.00 unites you to a broad based national network working to provide a full-time, visible, effective National Nurse for Public Health to engage nurses at the local level to do what we do best: health promotion and disease prevention.

The $20 campaign has proved to be immensely popular and is even a hit on Capitol Hill! Congressional and Senate aides receiving packets of information about the National Nurse Act have frequently asked how they are paid for and recognize and appreciate the certificates with supporter/constituent names that accompany them.

For every $20 received, we are able to personally deliver a packet in that constituent’s name to their elected U.S. Representative. A certificate will also be emailed to you as a way of thanking you for your support.

We are also asking that endorsing organizations of HR 1119 The National Nurse Act of 2011 consider making contributions, as these dollars would go a long way to help pay for this campaign.

As you may know the National Nursing Network Organization is ALL-VOLUNTEER, so your support is crucial in helping to assure that our voices are heard on Capitol Hill. Since the first of January 2011, the NNNO has received donations from nurses and supporters living in Alaska, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Washington.

You can make your donation on line or please email the NNNO Board for information on where to send a check. One of our supporters pointed out that recurring donations of $5 per month are possible-this amounts to less than 17 cents per day, little cost towards an action that can make such a positive difference in our nation's health!!

*Please be aware that while the NNNO is a non-profit organization, it does lobby and cannot be tax exempt, and therefore your contributions are not tax deductible.

Representative Anthony Weiner (NY-9) Introduces National Nurse Act of 2011

2011-03-19T07:21:00.000-07:00

Washington DC – Thanks to the leadership of Representative Anthony Weiner (NY-9), nursing sees its vision for a highly visible and prominent public health nurse introduced as a bill into the 112th Congress.

On March 16, 2011, Representative Weiner, a member of the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee, introduced into the House of Representatives HR 1119 to establish a National Nurse for Public Health. We are proud to be working with Congressman Weiner who is a determined and devoted public servant.

We strongly encourage all supporters of this legislation to write a thank you letter to Representative Weiner or call his office-202-225-6616 to express your thanks.

Here is some key information about this bill:

The National Nurse Act of 2011 designates the position of the Chief Nurse Officer of the US Public Health Service to serve as the National Nurse for Public Health.

The National Nurse would function along side the Surgeon General to promote health, improve health literacy and decrease health disparities, strengthening the relationship between Government agencies and health-related national organizations through a more prominent, visible, full- time, and modernized nursing leadership presence. The National Nurse for Public Health will encourage (not require) volunteerism of nurses and other individuals to help replicate successful health promotion programs. Nurses are well positioned to provide these much needed interventions as they are 3.4 million strong, the most trusted of all health professionals, span all cultures, and are accomplished health educators.

A recent article in the New England Journal of Medicine validates the need for a National Nurse for Public Health. Co-author Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen G. Sebelius, reports "Americans receive only about half of the preventive services that are currently recommended. This finding supports a national need for an increased emphasis on strategies to increase health promotion and disease prevention efforts in this country." HR 1119 provides one innovative and cost neutral solution for disseminating messages of wellness to the American public on a massive scale.

Facts Substantiate Need for National Nurse for Public Health

2011-03-03T07:11:00.000-08:00

Evidence-based policy is public policy informed by rigorously established objective evidence. Just this last week, three reports provide convincing evidence for why America could stand to benefit from a National Nurse for Public Health.

USA Today reports that obesity remains a far worse health condition in the United States than in Canada. Approximately 34.4% of the adult population in America is obese. Obesity is defined in this article, "Steady obesity epidemic plagues Canada, U.S.", as being roughly 30 or more pounds over a healthy weight. Obesity is a defined risk factor for developing heart disease, the number one killer among American adults, as well as cancer, Type 2 diabetes, and other health conditions. The data for this article comes from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which is regarded as the most definitive assessment of Americans' weight because of the length and size of the study, and also because adult's height and weight were actually measured.

A driving force behind the grassroots movement for a National Nurse for Public Health has been the alarming number of Americans who are health illiterate. The complexity of our healthcare system requires informed consumers to make important decisions about their care, yet a 2006 study by the US Department of Education reported this month by the Washington Post found that 36% of adults have only basic or below basic skills for dealing with health information materials. This converts to 90 million Americans who cannot understand the instructions on a prescription bottle or accurately interpret their discharge instructions. A National Nurse for Public Health could be instrumental in helping to deliver messages that help our citizen's stay well, as nurses are frequently tasked with providing explanations of care to the health consumer. Nurses also recognize the importance of communicating in language that people can understand and they know how to validate comprehension.

Finally, The Nation's Health announced that an unprecedented federal plan to shift the nation from its present sick-care system to one based on prevention and wellness will begin this month! This will put a new focus on prevention, health promotion and wellness through federal policies and programs. Designating the Chief Nurse Officer of the USPHS, an existing position, to be the country's National Nurse for Public Health, establishes a qualified visible spokesperson to enhance public awareness for prevention. A National Nurse would encourage all nurses to become involved in the delivery of health promotion and illness prevention interventions on a broad scale in their own communities.

Why Have a National Nurse for Public Health?

2011-02-17T09:08:00.000-08:00

Seeking legislative support for a National Nurse for Public Health provides opportunity to be reminded and review how such a position would enhance prevention efforts at the local level. The National Nurse will encourage nurses everywhere to become more involved in health promotion within their own communities. The possibilities for nurses to lead and support local preventive activities are numerous. This local leadership approach will offer the advantage of allowing nurses, functioning as individuals or in collaborative partnerships, to "customize" their community approaches to specifically target disparities. Nurses are highly trusted by the populations they serve. Their knowledge and skills allow them to assess need, identify gaps, plan, implement and evaluate tailored interventions based on their own community's priority challenges.

Guidance and coordination offered to nurses from national leadership of a National Nurse will be a valuable resource, yet still allow for local influences that will yield approaches that are specific to each community. Some nurses may choose to work with established outreach programs integrated through schools, faith-based facilities or community based organizations. Others may opt to introduce new programs not previously offered locally, approaches showing strong evidence of effectiveness in other communities with similar needs. Student nurses and retirees in significant numbers can are a tremendous resource for annual community wellness events and mass immunization efforts. Nursing students from Portland Community College demonstrated their value at a recent immunization clinic held in Multnomah County (Portland, Oregon). More politically active nurses can become involved in leadership at the systems level and influence the stakeholders and gatekeepers in their community to support local prevention efforts.

Having a National Nurse for Public Health will be a significant nod to nurses everywhere, acknowledging their contributions and their value in society. More importantly, it is but a first step to organizing the collective power of nurses everywhere to make greater contributions to the well being of our nation. Nurses rallying to support the initiative for a National Nurse know it is time to begin the process.

Heard Around Washington DC

2011-01-29T06:30:00.000-08:00

The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health published on behalf of the Institute of Medicine and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, calls for more nurse leaders throughout healthcare. The November/December 2010 issue of The American Nurse quoted American Nurses Association President Karen Daley, "If we are indeed successful with health care reform, the model of care will not be based on the disease process, but on disease prevention and health promotion."

Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is now accepting nominations for the Healthy Living Innovation Awards. These awards will identify and acknowledge innovative health promotion projects that have demonstrated a significant impact on the health status of a community.

In a recent round table discussion, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius stated, "The Obama administration 'would love to have input' from nurses and use their ideas and expertise in patient care to improve health care".

All of these examples bode well for the necessity of a visible and prominent nurse leader for health promotion and disease prevention, and why so many supporters of this innovative concept continue in their quest to make this happen. Supporters contact the National Nursing Network Organization (NNNO) daily and have not let up on lobbying their US Representatives.

Pictured Kathleen Bartholomew RN, MN hosting a nursing photo exhibit in the Rayburn Foyer on Capitol Hill.

Thank you to Kathleen Bartholomew RN, MN, a member of the NNNO Advocacy Team, who personally took the time to visit several US Representatives' offices while in Washington DC to discuss The National Nurse Act of 2010 and its future. These face to face visits are very important and are an example of how nurses can use their voices to influence policy change that will benefit the public's health.

Portland Winterhawks Team Up For A National Nurse

2011-01-15T04:48:00.000-08:00

For the second year, the Portland Winterhawks Hockey Club has generously donated a portion of the sale of 100 tickets, this time for the Friday, March 4, 2011 game to be played against the Seattle Thunderbirds. Their contribution will benefit the campaign to establish a prominent National Nurse leader who will advocate for a nationwide focus on health promotion and illness prevention.

On top of all the great hockey action (currently the Hawks are the number one team in the US Division), there will also be mascots from Disney, Star Wars, local colleges, and companies.

Four dollars per ticket sold will be donated to the National Nursing Network Organization (NNNO). Purchasers of each ticket will also receive an added bonus, a great free Winter Hawks Hat valued at $25!!

What: Portland Winterhawks vs Seattle Thunderbirds
When: Friday March 4, 2011 at 7 pm
Where: Portland (Oregon) Rose Garden
Cost: $19 (four dollars of which will be donated to the NNNO)
REMEMBER!! Every ticket sold comes with a FREE Winterhawks Hat!

To support this great cause and order tickets, please call L'Erin at 503-238-6366. Tickets can either be mailed or placed at will call. Please reference The National Nurse Campaign when calling!

Want to support the cause, but can't go to the game? There are several deserving nursing students who have worked tirelessly on the National Nurse campaign. Their budgets won't stretch to cover tickets for their young children who are eager to attend the game . If you would like to help by buying a ticket and putting it in a child's name to be picked up at the game, please email the NNNO Board .

More on the Need for a Visible Nurse Leader for Health Promotion and Prevention

2011-01-03T01:25:00.000-08:00

The Department of Health and Human Services has released its Healthy People 2020 recommendations. The full report can be accessed at http://healthypeople.gov.

“Too many people are not reaching their full potential for health because of preventable conditions,” said Assistant Secretary for Health Howard K. Koh, M.D., M.P.H. “Healthy People is the nation’s roadmap and compass for better health, providing our society a vision for improving both the quantity and quality of life for all Americans.”

The Future of Nursing : Leading Change, Advancing Health published on behalf of the Institute of Medicine and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, also calls for more nurse leaders throughout healthcare. The November/December 2010 issue of The American Nurse quotes American Nurses Association President Karen Daley, "If we are indeed successful with health care reform, the model of care will not be based on the disease process, but on disease prevention and health promotion."

The Vice Chair of the 17-member committee that produced this report, Linda Burnes Bolton DrPH, RN, FAAN who is also an ANA member in California states, "This report shows that nursing has done so much for the nation's health, but the opportunity exists for us to do so much more." Burnes Bolten continues, "Nurses have had many opportunities to lead, but often it's been in limited ways. We not only want nurses to be at the table when decisions are being made, but we want nurses to lead (health care and health care system efforts). And if nurses are allowed to lead, they will come up with innovative ways to bring up health care and make the world a better place."

Supporters of efforts to create a National Nurse believe that by making the Chief Nurse Officer of the USPHS more visible to the public and all practicing nurses as our nation's National Nurse will result in a huge window of opportunity to promote a healthier nation.

Looking Back at 2010

2010-12-20T06:47:00.000-08:00

National Nurse Newsletter
December 20, 2010
http://nationalnurse.org

The National Nursing Network Organization - “Promoting wellness and disease prevention through an Office of the National Nurse.” Follow the campaign at http://nationalnurse.blogspot.com

Our Accomplishments In 2010

As 2010 comes to a close, we take time to reflect on the many accomplishments that would have been impossible to achieve without your support. First and foremost, thanks to the ongoing efforts of hundreds of supporters, HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010 was introduced by Congressman Earl Blumenauer in February, 2010. The bill has amassed the bipartisan support of 21 members of Congress and plans are already underway for re-introduction in the 112th Congress!

Tens of thousands have visited the National Nurse website and over 50 new posts have been written on the News Link. The News Link also received top recognition and was included in a recommended list of websites, this time in The Top 20 Medical Blogs for Academic Reference. Thank you also to Nursing Programs Online for choosing the National Nurse News Link/ blog as one of the "Top Rated Nursing Blog" winners.

The Web Nurse rated the top 20 most influential people in the nursing field for 2010 and NNNO President Teri Mills MS, RN, CNE was recognized among this prestigious group.

The National Nursing Network Organization welcomed two new board members this past year: Sheryl Oakes Caddy RN, JD and Debbie Orre MSN. Additionally, due to the number of enthusiastic nurses and supporters who continue to contact the Board, we are proud to announce that the NNNO Advocacy Team was formed. The team now has over two dozen members representing at least that many states. These individuals have been instrumental in advocating for their own elected officials to support HR 4601 and also in helping to spread the word about this campaign through publications and presentations. Additionally, they have helped to increase the membership of the social networking groups on Facebook ((The National Nurse Campaign -over 1480 have signed up) as well as LinkedIn (The National Nursing Network Organization). If you belong to Facebook or LinkedIn, please visit these pages and sign up!

The evidence for an Office of the National Nurse continues to mount up! This campaign becomes even more important than ever, especially with the amount of attention given to health promotion and prevention in the Patient Protection and Affordability Act.

Here's the evidence:

• A new report, Nursing Leadership from Bedside to Boardroom: Opinion Leaders' Perceptions, was released January 2010 by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Based on a Gallup poll survey, this study revealed that an overwhelming majority of the 1,504 opinion leaders who participated believe nurses should have more influence on healthcare and services. 86% of those surveyed they would like to see nurses have more influence in promoting wellness and expanding preventive care. http://www.rwjf.org/pr/product.jsp?id=54350

• On September 28, 2010, First Lady Michelle Obama was on a conference call with over 1,000 nurses. The administration concurs that nurses are effective communicators when it comes to delivering important health messages. The First Lady’s focus on childhood obesity would be helped with a highly visible nurse leader encouraging nurses and other health professionals to become involved with this campaign.

• A recent article in the New England Journal of Medicine, co-authored by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen G. Sebelius, reports that Americans receive only about half of the preventive services that are currently recommended. This finding supports a national need for an increased emphasis on strategies to increase health promotion and disease prevention efforts in this country."

• In 2007, 24 million Americans who have diabetes cost $174 billion for the care they received, for an average cost of $7250 per patient. http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/diabetes-statistics/
Given 57 million people at risk for diabetes, the resulting cost would be (24 million + 57 million) times $7250 = $587.25 billion, an increase of $413.25. If the National Nurse could engage others in delivering proven successful programs that work to prevent Type 2 DM, and could stop even 1% of those at-risk from developing diabetes, this would represent a savings of 0.01 times $413.25 billion = $4.13 billion (this could also be calculated by saying that 1% of 57 million = 570,000 people, which would save 570,000 times $7250 = $4.13 billion).

• The proposed language that is written into the HR 4601 calls for the National Nurse to engage in social marketing efforts and health promoting media campaigns combined with health education. These combined strategies are effective as evidenced in California’s Tobacco Free campaign. http://www.tobaccofreeca.com/ca_success.html

• A March 7, 2010 Parade poll affirms that there is a volunteer boom. Ninety-four percent of Poll respondents (94%) were nearly unanimous in the belief that it is "important to be personally involved in supporting a cause we believe in" in our communities. Most of the poll respondents are motivated toward public service by simple altruism. Sixty percent (60%) want to help other people with "many people moved to act on behalf of their own communities." http://www.parade.com/news/what-america-cares-about/featured/100307-compassion-counts-more-than-ever.html

• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced March 19, 2010 awards of more than $372 million to 44 communities, to support public health efforts to reduce obesity and smoking, increase physical activity and improve nutrition. The awards are part of the HHS Communities Putting Prevention to Work (CPPW) initiative, a comprehensive prevention and wellness initiative funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2010pres/03/20100319a.html

And, Americans continue to support programs and funding for prevention! http://http://healthyamericans.org/report/70/prevention-survey-II

We are especially grateful to the next generation of nurses! Several sent us copies of papers they have written about HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010 and many have been published on the National Nurse News Link .

The National Nurse newsletter goes out to thousands- please email the NNNO Board if you know of others who are interested in receiving these updates.

Several of you sent us cash donations, via Click and Pledge or mailed the NNNO checks. Thanks to supporters Shannon Pennisi Dunn RN and Elizabeth McPhee RN who coordinated efforts for fundraising opportunities with the Portland Winterhawks and Portland Beavers. We greatly appreciate this support to help maintain our website, mailing list, and brief travels to educate others about the need for an Office of the National Nurse. As a direct result of your contributions, members of the NNNO Board of Directors traveled to Washington DC last March and again in September to meet with several members of Congress, their staff, key organizational staff, and also with leaders who serve in the USPHS.

For anyone who wishes to take a trip down memory lane, click on the archived months of 2010 found at http://nationalnurse.blogspot.com to follow our journey.

We gained the endorsement of several organizations and prominent individuals in 2010 including:

• Alberto Godinez, LSW
• Andrea Sloan RN, Esq.
• Ann Promise RN, MSN, NP-c, CCM
• Barbara Hirsch RN, BA, BSN, JD
• Bill Bradbury for Governor (OR) 2010
• Central Oregon Labor Council AFL-CIO
• Community Nursing Network – Oregon
• Debi Williams MS, RN
• Deborah L. Phillips RN, BA, JD
• Diana Swihart, PhD, DMin, MSN, CS, RN-BC
• Duey’s Place Assisted Living Facility
• Holly Bedgio RN-BC, BSN, CRNI, CWS, CLNC
• Kathleen Murphy Jones RN, Esq.
• Kathleen Sobczak, RN, BS, CRRN, CNLCP, COHN-S, CCM
• Kathy Anne Mancusi RN, Esq.
• Kerry Roth RN, BSN, CWCN
• Linda M Bertino, RN, MSN
• Madera County Democratic Central Committee (CA)
• Midtown Health Council St Petersburg, Florida
• National American Arab Nurses Association
• National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners
• Northwest Oregon Labor Council AFL-CIO
• Oakhurst Democratic Club (CA)
• Orpha Ale Mineque BSN, RN, CCRN
• Oregon AFL-CIO
• Oregon School Employees Association, AFT Local 6732
• Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association
• Prevention Institute
• Regina Lane RN, BSN, CPUR, MSN, MBA-HCA
• Renee S. Rosomoff, BSN MBA CRRN CRC CDMS QRP
• Sally Cadman, MS, RN, ACNS-BC, CCRN
• Sandra Moritz RN, BS, M.ED PA School Nurse of 2010
• Shepeara Hall MSN, PMH-NP, BC
• Suzanne Gordon BA Author, Lecturer, Patient Advocate
• Tara Candela RN, BSN, JD

A complete list of all endorsers can be found at http://nationalnurse.org/endorsements.shtmlm

Presentations:

Thank you to health reporter Beth Bryant-Barranco BSN, RN who spoke during her weekly television appearance, Healthy U, about HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010. Beth practices as an open heart recovery and transplant nurse in South Carolina. She loves having the opportunity to educate people about ways to live healthy and is very enthusiastic about the potential a National Nurse would have in keeping Americans well. You can read about Beth’s interview by visiting this link.

Elizabeth McPhee RN and Craig Grover RN joined NNNO President Teri Mills during a 30 minute television appearance on the Office of the National Nurse featured on Willamette Falls Cable TV. Thank you to Moses Ross, the show's moderator for this opportunity. Callers were 100% in support of a National Nurse and could see the value of a visible and prominent nurse leader to help in the dissemination of health promotion messages.

Here is your chance to learn everything you’ve wanted to know about HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010. If you prefer to get your news via the radio, please take the time to listen to NNNO Board Member Sheryl Oakes Caddy’s live interview with host Anne Llewellyn, RN-BC, MS, BHSA, CCM, CRRN Editor in Chief, Case Management Products and Services.

Sheryl discusses the merits of The National Nurse Act of 2010, the overwhelming support for this legislation, and how this bill would benefit nursing and the public’s health. Thank you to Anne Llewellyn for posting the interview and information about the bill along with information on how to get involved on the Dorland Health website -there is also a link to the interview here.

Publications:

Congratulations to writer Laura Stokowski MS, RN for writing a compelling article in MedScape Nurses for HR 4601, The National Nurse Act of 2010. Ms. Stokowski interviewed NNNO Vice-President Alisa Schneider MSN, RN as the basis of this important story. This turned out to be the first article featured in the American Nurses Association’s March 23, 2010 online SmartBrief. Thank you to the many nurses who wrote and continue to write to the NNNO Board after reading Stokowski’s piece to request more information and ask how they can help support this important legislation to improve the public’s health and increase the visibility of the nursing profession.

RWJF reported that 2010 was a notable year for nurses, yet nurses rarely land in the media's spotlight. One exception covered in HealthLeaders Media was a story about the grassroots campaign to create an Office of the National Nurse.

Additional articles published about the Office of the National Nurse in 2010 include:

• American Federation of Teachers Health Wire July/August 2010
• American Federation of Teachers-Oregon newsletter February 2010, February 2010, March-April 2010
• American Journal of Nursing May 2010
• American Journal of Nursing Off the Charts March 2010
• ANA SmartBrief March 2010
• Case In Point February 2010
• Change.org April 2010
• Digital Doorway March 2010
• Emergiblog July 2010
• Homeland Voice March 2010
• Medscape for Nurses March 2010
• Nightingale Declaration March 2010
• NurseTogether.com March 2010
• Nurse Zone July 2010
• Vermont Nurse Connection Jan 2010
• Working Nurse August 2010

Quote for the New Year:

“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day.”
Edith Lovejoy Pierce

You are all extremely important in our work to create an Office of the National Nurse- THANK YOU to the all of you who tirelessly provided us with advice, expertise, and support this past year! We wish you the happiest and healthiest of holidays and look forward to 2011!

Until next time,
Alisa, Debbie, Teri, Terri, Sheryl, Susan

The Office of the National Nurse

2010-12-13T05:43:00.000-08:00

Pictured: Susan Bowles, RN, DNP Candidate
The following is a policy paper written by Susan Bowles, a DNP candidate in the Class of 2011 who is attending the University of San Diego:

"It is hard to believe that a century has come and gone since Florence Nightingale passed away. This past year, the centennial anniversary of her death, was designated as the 2010 International Year of the Nurse. The purpose of the year was to celebrate and actively engage the world’s nurses (more than 3 million in the United States alone), to focus on health care not sick care. By taking a cue from the founder of modern Nursing Florence Nightingale, nurses have an opportunity to lead.

How healthcare is provided to Americans needs to be transformed. Preventable diseases are near epidemic proportions in this country, and despite the fact that on March 23, 2010 President Obama signed into law the Patient Protection and Affordability Care Act (P.L. 111-148) unless a focus on prevention occurs, will there truly be healthcare reform? As a neonatal nurse professional, everyday I see the results of the lack of prevention. One in every eight babies is born too soon, costing us more than 10 times that of a healthy full term newborn. The hidden costs are tremendous as well. The strain on the families can be indescribable.

How do we get focused on prevention? Nurses of course! According to the Gallup Poll, nurses are America’s most trusted professionals. As a group nurses have the potential to be a major catalyst in initiating a nationwide shift to prevention and improved health outcomes. Nurses serve on the front line of health care. The Institute of Medicine, after a two year study concluded that it is nurses who will improve our health care system by reducing costs, enhancing care, and making it more accessible. But how?

The answer to the question in this author’s mind is the Office of the National Nurse. Too often nurses say “I’m just a nurse”. In May 2005 a “just a nurse” person named Teri Mills wrote an op-ed piece in the New York Times in which she called for the establishment of the Office of the National Nurse. The focus of the National Nurse would be prevention, increasing the public’s awareness, and encourage individuals to pursue and remain in nursing careers. A five year effort came to fruition on Feb. 4, 2010 when HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010 was introduced by Congressman Earl Blumenauer (OR-3). This three page bill calls for the elevation of the Chief Nursing Officer of the United States Public Health Service to be elevated to the office of the National Nurse. With the elevation more visibility will be brought to the critical role nursing occupies in promoting, protecting and advancing the nation’s health. Of equal importance is that this bill doesn’t create a new bureaucracy. It redefines and refocuses an existing position: the Office of the National Nurse would work collaboratively with the Office of the Surgeon General.

As with all things in nursing, this bill is not without its detractors, many of them nurses. A letter published on March 18, 2010 in the Nursing Community forum opposing the creation of the National Nurse was signed by 34 individuals or nursing organizations. The gist of the opposition is the belief that by strengthening the existing public health infrastructure and resources, more can be attained.

After five years HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010 sits in committee. Transformation change is never easy; but the lady with the lamp showed us how to do it.

A National Nurse can become a visible symbol of the valuable work nurses do every day. What happens next? The first nurse and the second woman to serve as president of the Tournament of Roses starts her term in 2012, culminating with the nurses float in the 2013 parade. Will the National Nurse be on it?"

Susan Bowles, RN, (DNP, Class of 2011)
University of San Diego (CA)

Support Continues for A National Nurse!

2010-12-06T07:05:00.000-08:00

The Board of Directors of the National Nursing Network Organization continue to be inundated with emails from those who wish to support and further the efforts to have a visible and prominent nurse leader for health promotion and prevention. Here is a sample of some letters that were recently received.

Larry Cohen, the Executive Director of the Prevention Institute writes, "the notion of a national nurse is a new idea to me and one I think is extremely innovative and important and we are most happy to support this effort."

We also heard from Rebecca Frank, the Online Network Analyst Coordinator for www.PreventObesity.NetOn who said, " On behalf of leaders in the movement to reverse the epidemic of childhood obesity, I want to thank you. Thank you for your interest in this important issue, and thank you for using your blog to help publicize efforts to make sure the next generation lives longer, healthier lives. I also wanted to take the opportunity to let you know about a new resource to help in the battle against childhood obesity, PreventObesity.net. This site is a hub for tools and services, to help leaders in their organizing and communications efforts. It's the center of an effort to build a nationwide network of activists and allies. A project of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the site was created to harness the power of online networks, like yours to reverse the epidemic of childhood obesity."

"The Democratic Club of Silicon Valley (CA) voted to endorse HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010 and plans to contact our Congressman to inform him & solicit his support for it and its successor." Carolyn Curtis

And, this came from an RN continuing her education. "I am currently a senior student at Winston-Salem State University, North-Carolina. I am writing a paper plus participating in a debate on the National Nursing Network Organization (NNNO). The debate went really great. My classmates were so thrilled and excited to hear about the NNNO. At the end of the debate we had a class vote between the position of the ANA and the NNNO. To my surprise only 1/3 of the class voted with ANA while 2/3 of the students voted in support of the efforts for a visible and prominent nurse leader for health promotion and prevention. I would really love to be a strong member of the NNNO. Thanks and let me know how I can help in North Carolina." Ngozi Nnaji RN

Working to Prevent Obesity

2010-11-29T03:12:00.000-08:00

Rebecca Frank, Network Analyst and Coordinator for www.preventobesity.net writes:

On behalf of many in the movement to reverse childhood obesity, I’d like to say thank you.

You are often on the front lines of the fight against childhood obesity, working to help children and families understand the connection between food and activity choices now and healthy, productive lives in the future. You are an essential part of the support network for families and communities working on childhood obesity. Increasingly, nurses are engaged in not only treating obese children but also asking why are so many kids are becoming obese. Nurses like you are looking beyond the bedside and the patient out to the policy and environment that makes it even harder to eat well or be active.

Now there is a new resource to help in these efforts: www.preventobesity.net, a hub of tools and services for leaders who are working to organize others to help the next generation live healthier. The focus of the services are to help leaders in the field “build the base” with online activity AND to foster connections among leaders so you can share, collaborate and take action together.

Does this sound like something that would help you do your work in the community? Would this help you proactively keep kids healthy, and keep them from needing treatment?

Join the map. Join the movement.

The premiere service of our site is a “Map of the Movement.” This innovative map is a visual representation of the network of leaders fighting childhood obesity, and is a great way to connect you with other leaders working on your specific issue, in your community, or across the country.

A leader is someone working at any level to change policies and environments to help children and families eat well and move more, especially in communities at highest risk for obesity. If you organize others -- be it 10 to 10,000,000 -- to change polices and environments, we hope the team and the services will aid your efforts. If you’re not organizing others, we’d like to invite you to register as an Individual, to help show there is a network of activists who are concerned about child obesity nationwide.

One other thing - all the services and tools -services are free, to help you do your work better.

Please check out the site, register as a leader or individual, sign up to be on the map, and let us know what you think. You can reach our team at 800-399-9590 or info@preventobesity.net. We’re excited for you to join us, and can’t wait to hear what you have to say!

Thank You Congressman Lloyd Doggett (TX-25)

2010-11-17T01:34:00.000-08:00

The National Nursing Network Organization and supporters thank Congressman Lloyd Doggett (TX-25) for his co-sponsorship of HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010.

Congressman Doggett proudly serves the 25th District of Texas. He is a member of the Ways and Means Committee and also serves on the House Budget Committee. He was honored with the national AARP 2008 Legislative Achievement Award for his leadership on Medicare

Congressman Doggett is especially committed to improving access to affordable healthcare and views this to be one of his top priorities. He also strives for a longer-term correction for the payment formula used for Meidcare/Tricare physicians and wishes to see Americans access the physician of their choice. Congressman Doggett is an active member of the Seniors Task Force to ensure the needs and interests of our elderly population remain at the forefront of work in Congress.

The Congressman is the senior member of the Health Subcommittee of the Committee on Ways and Means in the House of Representatives and said the following of H.R. 4601, The National Nurse Act of 2010:

“As a senior member of the Health Subcommittee, I have worked with nurses to ensure that everyone has access to high quality, affordable care. The new health insurance reform law will result in even more reliance upon the nursing profession. I continue hearing firsthand of the important work that nurses are doing through my daughter, who is director of the University of Texas School of Nursing Family Wellness Center. I am pleased to support H.R. 4601, the National Nurses Act, to create an Office of the National Nurse, which will ensure that the needs, suggestions, and contributions of registered nurses will be recognized at the highest levels of government. In addition to providing a voice to the nurses in Central Texas, the National Nurse will also work with community groups to encourage volunteerism and assist them with grant opportunities aimed at improving public health.”

Welcome NNNO Advocacy Team Members

2010-11-07T01:15:00.000-07:00

The National Nursing Network Organization (NNNO) wishes to acknowledge those individuals who are working to further the momentum for a National Nurse. During the NNNO’s last Board meeting, the Directors felt the timing was right for establishing an Advocacy Team. The Advocacy Team is composed of members who have performed a variety of activities in the past including:

· Visiting their US Representative’s office
· Writing an article or letter to the editor about HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010 (or legislation like HR 4601)
· Fundraising for the National Nurse Campaign
· Presenting The National Nurse Act of 2010 to professional organizations
· Gaining their organization’s endorsement for current legislation.
· Assisting with projects such as compiling data or research for the NNNO Board of Directors.
· Designing artwork that can be used on the National Nurse websites.
· Providing leadership and guidance to the NNNO Board of Directors.

Advocacy Team members are now posted on a web page that is linked to http://nationalnurse.org and they will also be recognized in the National Nurse newsletter.

Welcome Debbie Orre to the NNNO Board of Directors !

2010-10-28T05:59:00.000-07:00

Pictured left to right: State Rep. Marcia Moody (NH) and Debbie Orre MSN, RN

Until her recent retirement, Debbie Orre MSN, RN practiced nursing at her local community hospital for over thirty years. During the last nine years of her career, Debbie served as the Dean of Nursing Education at Holyoke Community College (MA) and Dean of the Department of Health Science at Mt. Wachusett Community College (MA). During her tenure at the latter, Debbie oversaw a budget of nearly one million dollars and was responsible for three program accreditations as well as overseeing the development of multiple new courses. Debbie has published many articles including an editorial in the November 2006 issue of the American Journal of Nursing, "LPNs and the Nursing Shortage".

Debbie is currently pursuing her doctoral degree at the University of Massachusetts: Amherst. The topic of her dissertation is Community College Nursing Programs and the Spirit of Inclusion.

Debbie Orre volunteering in Haiti

Volunteerism is a mainstay of Debbie's practice. She has traveled twice to Haiti since this country's devastating earthquake and helped to treat many injured Haitians. Debbie is a long time board member of the Gardner Visiting Nurses Association and presently serves as the President. Debbie has been committed to seeing a National Nurse for health promotion and prevention since the idea was first introduced to the nation in 2005. She helped to organize a statewide conference at Mt Wachusett Community College in 2006 that featured keynote speakers from the National Nursing Network Organization. As a result her nursing students pursued and were successful in seeing the passage of a resolution in the Massachusetts General Court, the state legislative body of Massachusetts, urging the US Congress to enact legislation to create a National Nurse position in 2008.

How Would a National Nurse Could Help Promote Prevention?

2010-10-19T01:14:00.000-07:00

The NNNO Board of Directors frequently receives email requests to post information on the National Nurse Newslink. Many individuals have a vision for how HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010 could be implemented, such as partnering with existing agencies that already have information ready to be disseminated and strengthening the relationship between government agencies and health-related national organizations. Recently, Joe Lederman from Drugwatch.com wrote us the following. It is a good example of the kind of key information a National Nurse could disburse as appropriate.

"Global health issues arise from a number of issues; poverty and poor health systems as contributing factors. Many people would also name drug abuse as a contributing factor to the unhealthy world we live in.

A less understood issue arising from poor health systems is that our use, or rather abuse, of prescription drugs has the potential for more harm than good. Thankfully, there are resources available to us as consumers to know what to watch for and how to improve our use of drugs.

Drugwatch.com is a comprehensive web site featuring extensive information about medications, drug interactions, and drug side effects to aid in the protection of patients and consumers. By providing FDA alerts, drug interactions, and potential side effects on the site, patients have access to valuable knowledge that could enhance their ability to voice concerns with their doctor and improve their quality of care.

To avoid adverse reactions and serious side effects, patients should understand which additional drugs may affect their medication and should speak with a doctor about interactions and potential side effects associated with the use of a combination of medications.

Side effects may occur following the use of certain drugs, as patients respond differently to medications depending on a variety of factors including age, overall health, gender, ethnicity, and the levels of severity of the illness or disease the patient is fighting.

Side effects may also occur as a result of taking a certain medication in combination with another drug or substance, whether it is a prescription medication, over-the-counter drug, herbal supplement, or food or drink. Beginning treatment with a new medication, ceasing treatment, or adjusting a patient's dosage may also cause a patient to experience unwanted reactions to medications.

By providing alerts, drug information and side effects about prescription and over the counter medications, we can ensure an environment where patients, nurses and physicians have the best knowledge on their medical treatment plans and health."

Student Support for Legislation for National Nurse Act Abounds!

2010-10-07T06:20:00.000-07:00

There is no shortage of enthusiasm and approval for a National Nurse among the nation's graduate and undergraduate nursing students. The NNNO Board of Directors continues to receive email and phone calls from those who are studying HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010. In the first three days of October alone, the Board noted that the National Nurse website was linked to nursing programs at universities in California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin!

Students report that there was a recent article published in the New England Journal of Medicine, “Promoting Prevention through the Affordable Care Act” co-authored by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen G. Sebelius, that found Americans receive only about half of the preventive services that are currently recommended. Furthermore, Secretary Sebelius and co-authors state this finding supports a national need for an increased emphasis on strategies to increase health promotion and disease prevention efforts in this country." Students who are studying HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010 believe this offers a strategy that could be used to accomplish what we all see as a priority in this country-prevention,

Interested parties are encouraged to sign up for the National Nurse newsletter and also to contact the NNNO Board for resources and information that may assist them in their studies. We are always happy to answer questions that any of you have about the current legislation and where we are headed.

We Need a National Nurse! What YOU Can Do

2010-09-30T07:26:00.000-07:00

Pictured Elizabeth McPhee RN

Read This Article and Get Involved!

Elizabeth McPhee RN and NNNO Advocacy Team Member makes a strong case as to why America needs a visible and prominent nurse leader for health promotion and prevention. Elizabeth writes, "Nurses are all too aware of the critical problems facing public health. The good news is that most causes of chronic disease, like obesity, are preventable, which is where we nurses come into play. We believe that it is nurses who should be standing at the forefront of a movement to educate people on preventing illness in the first place, before it becomes a chronic disease.

Nurses spend more time with patients than any other medical provider. Year after year, the Gallup poll indicates that Americans respect nurses and listen to them on health issues. By offering disease prevention education in our communities, we can help to decrease soaring healthcare costs and end needless suffering, initiating a more healthful society.

Nurses are galvanized by this proposal and want to keep moving forward. We have unique skills and insights to offer the public. We understand that preventive medicine is better than reactive medicine; the quality of life matters. That is why we must secure the passage of HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010.

If this campaign inspires you to get involved and become a part of this grassroots effort, please:

  • Contact your US Representative and ask that they become a co-sponsor of HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010.
 • Write the NNNO Board of Directors for talking points and a copy of the signatory letter (PDF).
• Publish an article about HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010 in your organization’s newsletter to educate others about the bill. (Feel free to reprint this article from Working Nurse.)
 • Request professional organizations that you belong to become an endorser of HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010.
• Stay updated by signing up to receive the National Nurse Newsletter.”
 

National Nurse Team Visit to Capitol Hill A Success!

2010-09-21T05:52:00.000-07:00

Pictured left to right: NNNO Board Secretary Susan Sullivan MSN, PHN, RN; NNNO Board Member Terri Polick RN; NNNO Advocacy Team Member Elizabeth McPhee RN; NNNO Advocacy Team Member NH State Representative Marcia Moody; NNNO President Teri Mills MS, RN, CNE; and NNNO Board Member Debbie Orre MSN, RN

Thank you to your generous donations that supported the following individuals who joined NNNO Board Members Teri Mills, Terri Polick, and Susan Sullivan last week in Washington DC: Elizabeth McPhee from OR, Laura Stokowski from VA, State Representative Marcia Moody from NH, Debbie Orre from MA, and Tara Candela from VA. The National Nurse Team met with the staff of 2 US Senators and as well as staffers from the offices of 22 US Representatives.

As supporters of HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010 walked the long halls and rode the elevators in the house office buildings, staff also approached them from other offices who requested that they stop by and leave information for their member to consider. Wearing National Nurse buttons and having postcards, business cards, and informational packets proved to be worthwhile and necessary. But the strategy that most engaged the staff was asking them about other nurses in their family, or how a nurse has impacted their life in a special way. This inquiry always brought a flood of positive comments and opened dialogue on the importance of nurses being involved in healthcare and especially in health promotion and prevention!

Members were very excited to meet with the National Nurse team. Comments that were repeatedly heard include:

“This legislation could help and support current efforts to organize the deliver of health promotion and prevention messages.”

“This bill is cost neutral and the timing is perfect!”

“Great idea, easy to implement.”

“Nurses are on the frontlines of prevention and deserve recognition.”

“You (the team/supporters) are speaking our language.”

“This is a great idea for culturally diverse communities that do not have access to health care.”

The Mailbox

2010-09-13T01:03:00.000-07:00

The NNNO recently received this communication from NNNO Advocacy Team Member Sally Cadman, MS, ACNS-BC, CCRN who wrote in support of HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010.

"The increasing importance of the role of government Chief Nursing Officers creates a strong reason for supporting HR 4601. The United States should follow the world’s lead and support the creation of this senior health policy role, The National Nurse", states Sally Cadman, MS, ACNS-BC, CCRN from Hollis, New Hampshire. Cadman is currently a DNP student at Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences of the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. Here are some additional excerpts from Cadman’s paper, Establishing the Office of the National Nurse: HR 4601:

“I have given my name in support to HR 4601 because of my research on this bill and my review of the literature on government Chief Nursing Officers. This review of the literature helped frame my opinion that the United States needs to elevate and promote their CNO so they can advocate for nurses and patients within the international community. Although the bill focuses the majority of the role components within the nation, there is reference within the bill of role impacting the international healthcare community. This is an important role component that adds strength to the support of HR 4601. Global nursing shortages, biological threats, pandemics, natural disasters, and global healthcare reform all make the establishment of the Office of the National Nurse a more compelling priority.

Since 2001, there has been increased attention played to the role of government CNOs, mostly because of the passing of resolution WHA 54.12 by the World Health Assembly of the World Health Organization (WHO) (Salmon & Rambo, 2002). This resolution is entitled Strengthening Nursing and Midwifery and is aimed at increasing awareness of the global nursing shortage (Salmon & Rambo, 2002) Over 90 nurses function in high-level health policy roles in the world (Salmon & Rambo). After this WHO resolution, a formal global network of CNOs was formed and is called Government Chief Nursing Officer Network or GCNO-Net (Salmon & Rambo).

It is important to note that some of the roles outlined for the National Nurse are currently part of the United States Public Health Services CNO, Kerry Paige Nesseler’s job description. For example she recently represented the United States at the World Health Organizations Global Leadership Collaborative held in February 23, 2010. On February 3, 2010 she attended the Federal Nursing Service Council. It is unclear from her writings the depth and breadth of her interaction and ability to speak for the United States. There seems to be many more avenues for collaboration with the world community. I am unclear how the current CNO can do this in a part-time role. I see the full time Office of the National Nurse strengthening this relationship to the international community.

Change is slow. For example, after 25 years of lobbying by nursing groups, Australia appointed their first chief nursing and midwifery officer (CNMO) in June of 2008 (White, 2009). This will allow them to send a representative to World Health Organizations chief nursing and midwifery officers meeting at to the World Health assembly. This is in direct comparison to New Zealand who has embraced the position of CNO for over 100 years (Salmon & Rambo, 2002).

The time has come for a National Nurse. America needs an articulate caring, effective nursing spokesperson to collaborate within America and the world’s health community.”

References:

Salmon, M. E., & Rambo, K. (2002). Government Chief Nursing Officers:a study of the key issues they face and the knowledge and skills required by their roles. International Nursing Review, 49, 136-143.

White, J. (2009). Austrialia Gets Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer. American Journal of Nursing, 109(1), 26.

Part 4-Students Write About HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010

2010-09-07T01:22:00.000-07:00

Pictured: Craig Grover (Graduate Nurse, Class of 2010) with Alan Grover Age 12

This concludes our four part series featuring portions of papers written by undergraduate and graduate nursing students who are studying and writing about HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010.

Craig Grover SN (Class of 2010) wrote about The National Nurse. He writes,

"The traditional image of the nurse in America has changed from being a white privileged female into a culturally diverse population that incorporates both men and women from all ethnic backgrounds and income levels. This new population of nurses is becoming independent in their thinking about how the future direction of nursing should be directed. The Office of the National Nurse has inspired this future nursing generation as was evidenced at the National Student Nurses Association annual convention. At this convention students rallied from all over the nation asking that this important issue be heard at the House of Delegates. Student nurses join those who are seeking a visible nurse leader to help organize efforts and create a data base of proven successful programs for the nurse to access to deliver health promotion in their community.

Educational interventions for health promotion and disease prevention have become a nationwide priority for Americans (TFAH, 2009). The seven most common chronic diseases in America are putting a great strain on our health care system. Six out of the seven of these diseases-cancer, diabetes (Type 2), hypertension, stroke, heart disease, and pulmonary disease are preventable with modifiable changes in a person's lifestyle. Lack of physical activity, poor nutrition, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption have all been found by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to increase the risk of these diseases. Nurses are in an undervalued position for taking on the role of educating the public.

Opinion leaders say nurses should have more influence on health systems and services (RWJF, 2010). The Office of the National Nurse would provide a visible and trusted leader to serve as a messenger in delivering vital messages of health promotion to the American public. The Office of the National Nurse would promote the expansion of evidenced-based disease prevention programs and research shows this could save our nation sixteen billion dollars annually within the next five years according to a Robert Woods Johnson Foundation report (TFAH, 2008).

As student nurses, we are the voice of the future and the vehicles for implementing change in our communities. The National Student Nurses Association has identified improving the visibility of nursing as a goal. Who better than a prominent educated and recognized National Nurse to help us accomplish this?"

References:

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation & Trust for America’s Health. (2009). Americans rank prevention as most important health reform priority. TFAH and RWJF health reform poll. Retrieved September 23, 2009 from http://healthyamericans.org/pages/?id=265.

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. (2010). Groundbreaking new survey finds that diverse opinion leaders say nurses should have more influence on health systems and services. Retrieved May 20, 2010 from http://www.rwjf.org/pr/product.jsp?id=54488.

Trust for America’s Health Reports. (2008). Prevention for a healthier America: Investments in disease prevention yield significant savings, stronger communities. Retrieved September 23, 2009 from http://healthyamericans.org/reports/prevention08/.

Thank You Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (CA-47)

2010-08-30T06:30:00.000-07:00

Pictured: Congresswoman Sanchez

Thank you to Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (CA-47) for her co-sponsorship of HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010.

Congresswoman Sanchez proudly serves the 47th District of California. She began her career in November 1996 and is currently concluding her 7th term in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Congresswoman serves as Vice-Chair of the House Homeland Security Committee and is a member of the Subcommittees on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism and Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology.

According to Congresswoman Sanchez’s website, she is a firm believer that every American, and particularly every child, should have access to quality medical care. She was a proud supporter of H.R. 2, the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) Reauthorization bill, which was signed into law by President Obama on February 4, 2009. The SCHIP law will preserve healthcare for the 7 million children who are currently covered by SCHIP and extend coverage to an additional 4 million uninsured children who have been eligible for, but not enrolled in, SCHIP and Medicaid.

The National Nursing Network Organization received this statement from Congresswoman Sanchez:

“America has the best health care system in the world, and part of the reason is the quality of our nurses,” said Rep. Loretta Sanchez. “The National Nurse Act will help ensure our nurses receive the resources and support they need to continue to provide quality care. Nothing could be more important than recognizing these outstanding men and women.”

Letter to the Editor Published!

2010-08-18T09:31:00.000-07:00

Reprinted from Seacoastonline.com-August 17, 2010

"To the Editor:

Gallup's annual survey of professions reports nurses are the most trusted profession in America for their honesty and ethical standards. When I want to learn what is happening in health care, I turn to nursing publications and research. I am thus pleased that legislation has been introduced in Congress called The National Nurse Act of 2010, which finally establishes an Office of the National Nurse within the Public Health Service.

The National Nurse would provide leadership to strengthen nurses' efforts with a nationwide cultural shift to prevention. The Office of the National Nurse is needed to slow the growing epidemics of preventable chronic diseases, to promote health awareness and increase health knowledge, and to promote health careers and strengthen health infrastructures. As trusted frontline health educators and caregivers, nurses have a long history of expertise in health promotion to improve health outcomes.

Nurses know that a healthy population strengthens families and communities in many positive ways. So does Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter, as one of the earliest supporters of the The National Nurse Act of 2010. Thank you, Carol, for being a congressional sponsor of this important legislation and continuing to work on behalf of all of us in the 1st District."

Laurie McCray
Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Portland Beavers Baseball Team and NNNO Team Up!

2010-08-16T02:18:00.000-07:00

On Friday, August 20th from 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm the Portland Beavers Baseball team has generously donated a portion of ticket sales in Section 113 to help benefit the National Nursing Network Organization's efforts to establish a prominent nurse leader to guide America in a nationwide focus on health promotion and prevention. Supporters soon will be traveling to DC to educate members of Congress and leaders of national organizations about the importance of HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010.

The game will take place in PGE Park located at 1844 SW Morrison in beautiful downtown Portland, Oregon.

Excellent infield tickets located behind first base at just $15.50 are available for this game featuring the Round Rock Express and the Portland Beavers. Plan to stay after the game to enjoy a post game Fireworks show. The Beavers also offer a $1 menu on Fridays so everything from hot dogs to ice creams is just $1!

Email Liz to purchase your tickets today! If you can’t attend the game but would like to support this cause, please consider purchasing a ticket for a child who would like to attend the ball game but can’t afford to do so.

The Campaign for a "National Nurse"

2010-08-08T06:19:00.000-07:00

“Reprinted with permission. © 2010 HealthLeaders Media, www.healthleadersmedia.com.”

Rebecca Hendren, for HealthLeaders Media, August 3, 2010

A grassroots campaign is underway to create an Office of the National Nurse. The initiative calls for a national nursing leader, similar in stature to the U.S. Surgeon General, who will serve as a figurehead for nurses around the country, and spearhead health prevention efforts.

The movement has received much support, and there is legislation now in the U.S. House.

I wondered what a national nurse would do and why supporters felt there should be one, so I spoke with Teri Mills, author of the original New York Times op-ed that first suggested the idea back in 2005.

Turns out, America already sort of has a national nurse. There is a chief nurse officer at the U.S. Public Health Service, and Mills’ proposal is to create an Office of the National Nurse and elevate this CNO to be officially known as “national nurse.”

“So few people even know the chief nursing officer exists,” says Mills. “Even members of Congress do not know this position exists. We would like Congress to have this position be known as the national nurse.”

Mills is the president of the National Nursing Network Organization, which was founded to campaign for the national nurse initiative. She says the beauty of the position is that the framework already exists and a little effort could make the position a leader in health prevention, working with organizations such as the American Heart Association and National Kidney Association, to improve Americans’ health.

The chief nurse position is currently part time. Under the legislation, it would become a full time position, with a redefined focus for the bureaucracy that already exists. Mills understands the political realities she faces. “The country has a huge deficit,” she says. “Now is not a time to be asking for new money or new bureaucracy. But we have a position already.”

“We have an incredible epidemic of chronic preventable conditions,” adds Mills. Recent healthcare reform legislation includes “money for health promotion and prevention. But we need leadership. What is missing is the messenger.”

Mills argues that a National Nurse could provide leadership to the nation’s 3.4 million nurses to deliver the message of prevention in multiple languages to every American by partnering and strengthening the work of existing groups, including the Office of the Surgeon General.

“Health education and promotion is the cornerstone of every nurse’s practice,” says Mills. “Nurses have a really good record in promoting health literacy. The national nurse could inspire and engage nurses to participate in health prevention.”

The grassroots campaign has been gathering momentum over the last few years. It does not employ professional lobbyists in Washington. Instead, it relies on support from nurses in the field who are slowly spreading the word and debating whether a national nurse can be a unifying voice for the profession. Mills encourages nurses to visit the website to learn more about what she believes a national nurse could accomplish.

In the meantime, although the bill has 17 cosponsors, it will likely need another trip through Congress before it gets close to passing. The National Nursing Network Organization is soliciting input from across the healthcare spectrum to craft a bill with the best chance of success.

Rebecca Hendren is an editor with HealthLeaders Media. She can be reached at rhendren@hcpro.com.

Thank You Congressman John Olver MA 1

2010-08-02T01:17:00.000-07:00

Pictured: Congressman John Olver

Thank you to Congressman John Olver (MA-1) for his co-sponsorship of HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010.

Congressman Olver proudly serves the 1st District of Massachusetts. He is the Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman for Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and is also a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Congressman Olver supported and voted for the Affordable Healthcare For America Act, which expands education, practice, and retention programs for nurses and supports student loan, scholarship, and loan repayment programs. The Congressman is a strong supporter of nurses and said the following of H.R. 4601, The National Nurse Act of 2010:

“HR 4601 will give nurses across the nation a voice in shaping health policy. The creation of the Office of the National Nurse brings nurses to the table on a national level and encourages input from this crucially important perspective in the medical community. ”

The Obesity Crisis Continues

2010-07-26T07:57:00.000-07:00

If nurses and the public are not yet convinced it is time to take action to combat obesity, the latest report posted online by the Trust for America's Health and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is another sobering wake up call. The timely report "F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens America's Future 2010" reflects data for both adults and children, includes color maps to indicate obesity rates in each state, and provides links to more specific data for each state. Included are statistics that highlight the ethnic, racial, regional and income disparities in this growing epidemic. The article provides more excellent data to support the premise of HR 4601 - creation of a National Nurse to raise awareness and prompt nurses in every community to take action to combat obesity and other costly preventable diseases.

Although some progress is reported, the disparities continue according to Jeffrey Levi, PhD, executive director of Trust for America’s Health. Levi states "This report shows that the country has taken bold steps to address the obesity crisis in recent years, but the nation's response has yet to fully match the magnitude of the problem." More can and must be done to raise awareness and motivate behavioral changes. The report acknowledges that more than 12 million children are obese, and sites survey data indicating 84% of parents believe their children are at a healthy weight, even when research shows nearly one-third of children and teens are obese or overweight.

"Obesity rates among the current generation of young people are unacceptably high and a very serious problem," said Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, M.D., M.B.A., RWJF president and CEO. "To reverse this national epidemic, we have to make every community a healthy community. Americans are increasingly ready and willing to make that investment." This readiness and willingness are obvious to supporters of HR 4601, and serve to drive the campaign for a National Nurse to help spearhead community action.

This report also discusses ways some of the new Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 sets policy and provides a number of prevention and wellness provisions to help address the issue. Community Transformation grants and the National Diabetes Prevention program are mentioned as having potential to help leverage the success of existing evidence based programs in more communities. Such funding will be a key resource, as the National Nurse role is developed to mobilize nurses, students and retirees to become active supporters and participants in their community's efforts.

The NNNO Board encourages all supporters to review this key report online. Be prepared to reference this pertinent report whenever you encourage support for a National Nurse and/or visit your legislators to request they become co-sponsors of HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010.

Part 3-Students Write About HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010

2010-07-19T01:23:00.000-07:00

Pictured: Elizabeth McPhee RN

Elizabeth McPhee RN and immediate past SNA PCC Chapter President (Class of 2010) and USA Today Coca Cola Silver Scholar continues our four part series spotlighting portions of papers written on HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010. Elizabeth's paper, Nurses Need a National Nurse stated the following:

"Florence Nightingale can be quoted as saying “Nursing is a thing, which, unless we are making progress every year, every month, every week, take my word for it, we are going back” (Whyte, 2009). Historically the image of nursing has been a conflicted one. Its image has either been held in high regard as a noble and respected profession, usually by those who come in direct contact with the nurse, known as “merciful angel,” “heroine,” or perhaps the “greatest mother.” Or its image is misrepresented by what the media wants to portray such as “handmaidens,” subservient to physicians, “ battle-axes,” drug addicts or sex symbols.

Through exhaustive research it was found that nurses were completely underrepresented in the media. This study reviewed over 2000 health related articles from 16 major news publications and found the nurses were cited only four percent of the time. Additionally, one of the study’s key recommendations said that “if nurses merely wait for the media to discover their emerging roles as researchers, educators, problem solvers, and practitioners they are doing the public a disservice.”

Other recommendations included a call for nurses to speak out and promote professional images, to use strategies such as marketing and advertising to promote nursing, to create a database of experts at the national and state levels including local teams, and to increase visibility by writing to editors and correcting misreported information or under-reported issues.

Progression of nursing will need aggressive efforts at improving its image, and one key element of this study reveals, that it is necessary to begin with changing the media’s portrayal of nursing (Woodhull, 1998). Having Congress designate the Chief Nurse Officer of the US Public Health Service to be known as the National Nurse would help this important position become more visible and recognized by nurses and the public. In addition, this change would provide a huge boost to current efforts by nursing advocacy organizations who are working to improve nursing's image throughout the country."

References:

The Woodhull study on nursing and the media: health care's invisible partner. (1998) Center Nursing Press, Sigma Theta Tau International, Retrieved March 25, 2010 from http://www.nursingsociety.org/Media/Documents/Woodhull%20Study%20Part%201.pdf database.

Whyte, A. (2010, January 6). Relighting the lamp. Nursing Standard, 24, 18-20

Thank You Representative Dina Titus (NV-3) for Co-Sponsoring HR 4601

2010-07-12T05:41:00.000-07:00

The National Nursing Network Organization and supporters thank Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-3) for her co-sponsorship of HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010.

Congresswoman Titus serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee as well as the Education and Labor Committee. She has been a life long public servant and educator. When Congresswoman Titus served as Minority Leader for the Nevada State Senate she sponsored legislation to create Nevada’s Check Up program to provide health care for 25,000 uninsured children. She advocated for tougher regulation of nursing homes and sponsored a successful bill to double penalties for offenders who commit crimes against disabled persons. In recognition of her strong advocacy, the Dina Titus Estates for low-income, physically disabled adults was named in her honor. Here is Congresswoman Titus's statement of support for HR 4601:

“Nurses play a critical role in delivering quality health care to patients across the country. As such, they deserve a high-level dedicated representative within the Department of Health and Human Services who knows their issues, recognizes their challenges, appreciates their sacrifices, and can advocate for them. That is why I am pleased to cosponsor H.R. 4601, the National Nurse Act, and will continue to support the needs of our nation’s nurses.”

Part 2-Students Write about HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010

2010-07-05T06:58:00.000-07:00

Pictured: Amber Michelle Wolff BSN, RN (MSN, WHNP Candidate 2011) and Daughter Brinnley Michaela Wolff-7 months

This is a continuation of a four part series that focuses on portions of papers the National Nursing Network Organization has received from numerous students who are studying and writing about HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010 to meet coursework requirements.

Thank you to Amber Michelle Wolff BSN, RN who is enrolled in the University of Cincinnati Graduate School of Nursing in Woman’s Health and Midwifery for choosing this topic for her Health Care Policy paper. Michelle writes,

"As nurses, we are the first line of defense against disease. Nationally we are among one of the highest respected professions. With mounting health care costs and a slowing economy, the health of our nation is undeniably fighting its own war against disease. HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010 was introduced to primarily focus on disease prevention and promote wellness as well as strengthen the profession of nursing. We as nurses have the opportunity to embrace our profession, to promote prevention and alleviate this financial burden.

One particular misconception about the role of the National Nurse is that it will replicate or replace the role of the Surgeon General. Quite the contrary, the role of the Surgeon General is to provide recent evidenced based research regarding preventative illness and disease to the American Public (Office of the Surgeon General, 2010). The difference between the roles of the National Nurse and the Surgeon General is that the National Nurse concentrates on promoting nurses to become community health advocates in addition to promotion the nursing professional. In theory, this role will complement the role of the Surgeon General. The National Nurse will also continue to perform the responsibilities of the Chief Nursing Officer.

Health literacy is another focus the NN seeks to promote. As immigration becomes one of the forefronts of today’s economical constraints, it also inherently affects the health care system as well. Many immigrants, legal or not seek health care in America. Health literacy can often impede ones access to quality health care because lack of understanding of the English language or lack of appropriate translation. According to the United States Department of Homeland Security annual flow report, 1,130,818 people obtained legal permanent resident or green card in 2009 (Monger, 2010).

We as nurses have the capability to collaborate with one another to achieve the goal of preventative health care. During this time of economic and health crisis, now more than ever nurses must become proactive in the fight against illness and disease."

References:

Monger, R. (2010). U.S. legal permanent residents: 2009. Department of Homeland Security. Retrieved on May 20, 2010 from
http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/statistics/publications/lpr_fr_2009.pdf.

Office of the Surgeon General (2010). Duties of the surgeon general. Washington, DC:
USPHS. Retrieved on April 28, 2010 from http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/about/duties/index.

We Need a Nurse For America

2010-06-28T06:36:00.000-07:00

Pictured: Beth Bryant Barranco RN, BSN

Last week the Aiken Standard newspaper published a letter to the editor written by Beth Barranco Bryant. Beth emphasized why America needs a National Nurse and she urges support for HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010. Beth also works as a health report for the NBC affiliate in Augusta, Georgia and she recently did a story on The National Nurse Act of 2010.

Here are some excerpts from Beth's letter:

"To say our country has a health care system is really more of an oxymoron. We have a "sick care" system. It is way past time that nurses, the forefront of the health care delivery system, take action and make this country healthy again. It is time that our country appointed a National Nurse.

Nurses are the primary educators and care givers to patients. Nurses teach new parents how to care for their newborn baby. Nurses teach families how to care for their dying loved one and it's the nurse who comforts the grieving family. Nurses are the caregivers, the patient advocate, and they promote preventive care and education to the public.

It is proposed in the bill, HR4601, that the current position, Chief Nurse Officer of U.S. Public Health Service, would be elevated from half-time to full-time and designated as the National Nurse of Prevention. As a visible national spokesperson for nursing, the National Nurse would continue to support the Surgeon General's Focus on Prevention in all communities. The National Nurse would also meet with health care leaders to address poor health literacy and health disparities, promote nurses as community health advocates and enhance nursing recruitment throughout all communities in efforts to decrease the nursing shortage.

It is crucial that we continue the effort in making America a healthy nation. The Office of the National Nurse can be instrumental in making our effort a reality. We all want "health" care don't we?"

Beth Barranco, RN, BSN
Aiken, South Carolina

Part 1-Students Write about HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010

2010-06-21T05:41:00.000-07:00

Undergraduate and graduate nursing students continue to enthusiastically study and write about HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010 for their policy, leadership, and political coursework. We wanted to share with you a few paragraphs from each paper that highlight the need for this legislation.

The first paper comes from Karen Reynolds BSN, MSN, RN who is in her third semester at the University of Florida pursuing her DNP. Karen served in the United States Air Force as a Nurse/Commissioned Officer from 1988-91 and was stationed at Keesler AFB in Biloxi. Karen wrote to us that she is passionate about this legislation.

Karen's paper, "Influencing Political Process" begins with this paragraph:

"The immediate impact of nurses speaking out and being visible at the Capitol cannot be overstated (Abood, 2007). The only way to impact health care policy is to be right in the midst of policy development. Three nurses have recently served in Congress (Abood, 2007). The best advocate for the patient is a nurse; the best advocate for a nurse is a fellow nursing professional. The politically active and savvy nurse can speak to both the legislative and professional nursing arena as well as to the American public."

Karen goes on to state:

"Stakeholders exist in three domains in relationship to this policy initiative. The first stakeholder is the American public. Support through this bill will provide an infrastructure within communities for health promotion and disease prevention. The link between public health and nursing is strong and easily identifiable. The American people need a system that comes to them in their communities, where they live, work, and play.

The second significant stakeholder is the nursing profession. Schnieder explains that this role is not intended to be the “nurse over all nurses” just as the Surgeon General is not the leader of all physicians (as cited in Stowkowski, 2010, March 22). This will be a highly visible position. With the increased visibility, the nursing profession is able to show the vital role that nurses partipate in with regards to the health of our nation. Many professional organizations have already endorsed this national initiative.

The third significant stakeholder is the federal government infrastructure to support health promotion and disease prevention. With a strong public health initiative and collaborative, that the National Nurse Act will provide, the quality of health care in America can benefit and improve. In turn, cost of health care can decrease, due to emphasis on health promotion and prevention."

References:

Abood, S. (2007). Influencing health care in the legislative arena. OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 12(1). Retrieved from http://www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/ANAMarketplace/ANAPeriodicals/OJIN/TableofContents/Volume122007/No1Jan07/tpc32_216091.aspx

Stokowski, L. A. (2010, March 22). Will we have a national nurse? Interview with Alisa Schnieder, MSN, RN. Retrieved from http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/718672

Thank You Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30)

2010-06-15T08:20:00.000-07:00

Pictured: Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Thank you to Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30) for her co-sponsorship of HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010.

Congresswoman Johnson began her career as a registered nurse and she is the first nurse elected to Congress. The Congresswoman is one of three nurses who currently serve in the House of Representatives and she also is a member of the House Nursing Caucus.

Congresswoman Johnson is currently a Senior Democratic Deputy Whip and her initiative “Women for World Peace” has been nationally and internationally recognized. Before being elected to Congress, she served as the chief psychiatric nurse at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Dallas. Here is Congresswoman Johnson’s statement:

“This bill properly acknowledges the role of nurses by elevating the Chief Nurse Officer to full time status within the Surgeon General’s office. Nurses are on the frontlines of care and will become even more important as we fully implement healthcare reform initiatives. I am proud to co-sponsor legislation that reinforces how vital nurses are to our nation’s healthcare delivery system.”

Endorsements Abound for HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010

2010-06-09T01:50:00.000-07:00

Support continues to pour in from around the country for HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010. This past month, the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) joined over 100 organizations and prominent individuals who have signed on the support letter being delivered to members of Congress.

AFSCME represents 1.6 million workers, including 60,000 nurses who provide the vital services that make America happen and advocate for prosperity and opportunity for all working families. AFSCME represents a diverse group of people who share a common commitment to public service. The National Nursing Network Organization welcomes AFSCME to the growing list of endorsers.

Please email the NNNO Board if you belong to an organization that may be interested in endorsing HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010 and we will send you a copy of the signatory letter for consideration.

Thank You Congressman Raul Grijalva (AZ-7) for Co-Sponsoring HR 4601

2010-06-01T01:29:00.000-07:00

The National Nursing Network Organization and supporters thank Congressman Raul Grijalva (AZ-7) for his co-sponsorship of HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010.

Congressman Grijalva is committed to serve the constituents from the 7th Congressional District in Arizona. He fully participates within the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and is devoted to improving the quality of life for working families. Education, employee rights, and the environment are three of Congressman Grijalva’s top priorities. Here is Congressman Grijalva's statement:

“HR 4601 will elevate the advice and input of the nurses in our country to the level they deserve in our national health care discussion. Establishing an Office of the National Nurse recognizes the necessary contributions of nurses in our nation’s health policies and our communities.”

Live Interview with NNNO Board Member Sheryl Oakes Caddy JD, RN

2010-05-26T03:02:00.000-07:00

(Pictured from left are Debbie Orre, MSN, RN; Sheryl Oakes Caddy, JD, RN; Teri Mills, MR, RN, CNE; Alisa Schneider, MS, RN; and Terri Polick, RN.)

Here is your chance to learn everything you’ve wanted to know about HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010. If you prefer to get your news via the radio, please take the time to listen to NNNO Board Member Sheryl Oakes Caddy’s live interview with host Anne Llewellyn, RN-BC, MS, BHSA, CCM, CRRN Editor in Chief, Case Management Products and Services.

Sheryl discusses the merits of The National Nurse Act of 2010, the overwhelming support for this legislation, and how this bill would benefit nursing and the public’s health. Thank you to Anne Llewellyn for posting the interview and information about the bill along with information on how to get involved on the Dorland Health website -there is also a link to the interview here.

Guest Blogger Marian Tatarczuk BSN, MS, RN, NE-BC Writes In Support of HR 4601

2010-05-24T05:15:00.000-07:00

Pictured: Marian Tatarczuk BSN, MS, RN, NE-BC

Marian Tatarczuk writes the following in support of HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010:

Nurses who have advanced degrees in nursing and also who carry advanced degrees in business and/or those who have or are working in leadership positions have intimate knowledge of health care systems. This knowledge represents a combination of patient care/health issues such as safety, access to health care, privacy, care coordination, customer experience, family dynamics and population risks as well as business issues such as human and material resource management, barriers to effective care, quality outcome management, collaboration within groups, fiscal responsibility, healthy work environments, strategic planning, population management, as well as the impact of social issues, culture and technology.

Research has demonstrated that nurses have the public trust ; nurses' advice has the power to influence health opinions and behaviors. Nurses are an integral part of the overall care of patients, our families, our communities and influencing change on a larger scale. They have unique knowledge, skills and perspectives to contribute. I believe nurses should have a strong voice in working collaboratively with other health care disciplines in the design and oversight of a national health care system and national health issues, and should not be limited to those issues that concern only "nursing" as it may be perceived by the public.

I have achieved all but dissertation for a Doctorate of Nursing Practice, and a Maters of Science in business with a concentration in health care. I have served in a variety of health care leadership positions for 30 years, working collaboratively with many esteemed colleagues to improve the health of our community, sometimes one person, one family at a time, and at others times through service or educational offerings. Our country requires strong leadership to overcome the huge hurdles and brokenness of our current health care system. I support the efforts of this grassroots effort to enhance / expand the role of nursing within the legislative leadership process.

Marian Tatarczuk BSN, MS, RN, NE-BC
Exeter, New Hampshire

Thank You Representative Gerald Connolly (VA-11)

2010-05-19T02:22:00.000-07:00

Pictured: Congressman Gerald Connolly (VA)

The National Nursing Network Organization and supporters thank Congressman Gerald Connolly (VA-11) for his co-sponsorship of HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010.

Congressman Connolly is serving his first term in Congress, representing Virginia's 11th district. According to his website, the Congressman was elected President of the freshman class in the U.S. House of Representatives. This role allows Congressman Connolly to serve as a liaison between the House leadership and freshman members of Congress and insure they have a voice in the legislative process.

“I am proud to be a cosponsor of the National Nurse Act. Whether it is in schools, hospitals, clinics, other medical facilities, or the community at large, nurses are on the front lines of health care. Nurses are the unsung heroes in the health care field, playing a critical role in caring for the ill and infirm, promoting preventive care, educating the public and nursing students, and volunteering their time and expertise in their communities. This legislation will provide nurses with recognized leadership at the national level in the Public Health Service at a critical juncture in our nation’s history as we move forward in implement real health care reform.”

Healthy U Segment on NBC Affiliate WAGT 26 Spotlights HR 4601

2010-05-14T02:32:00.000-07:00

Pictured: Health Reporter Beth Bryant-Barranco BSN, RN

Thank you to health reporter Beth Bryant-Barranco BSN, RN who spoke during her weekly television appearance about HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010. Beth practices as an open heart recovery and transplant nurse in South Carolina. She loves having the opportunity to educate people about ways to live healthy and is very enthusiastic about the potential a National Nurse would have in keeping Americans well.

Beth began her piece by giving a brief overview of Nurses Week and then explained HR 4601 for her listeners. She noted why it is important to have a National Nurse to slow the growing epidemic of preventable diseases. The  United States currently ranks 19th among industrialized countries in preventable deaths. The National Nurse would promote health awareness and increase health literacy. Currently only 31% of Americans can name all 5 heart attack warning signs. You can watch Beth’s interview by visiting this link.

An Overview of HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010

2010-05-10T00:12:00.000-07:00

The passage of the healthcare reform package brings a unique window of opportunity to strengthen the delivery of prevention education and highlight the nurse's role in our healthcare system. We are excited to hear leaders of the Public Health and Prevention subgroups for healthcare reform who share this vision. HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010, introduced by Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer on February 4th and now supported 11 esteemed members of Congress, brings nurses to the forefront as the deliverers of the message of prevention to every American. Four state legislative bodies (Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, and Vermont) and over 100 organizations and prominent individuals have also endorsed this bill.

In a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation newsletter, Susan B. Hassmiller, Senior Advisor for Nursing states, “ Nurses have a pivotal role to play in promoting preventive care since they spend more time with patients than any other health care professional. By educating and counseling patients about the importance of simple preventive measures, nurses can have a significant impact on improving health and extending lives. The health care system needs to empower and encourage nurses for them to be effectively engaged in this role.”

The rise in numbers of people struggling with chronic disease threatens the population like never before. Reports of low health literacy, coupled with the increasing numbers of chronic conditions that are preventable, current efforts are proving to be insufficient. Based on the ubiquitous presence of nurses in all communities and the high degree of trust bestowed on them, an adequate nursing workforce can play a major role in prevention, thus reducing both morbidity and costs related to chronic disease.

By designating the Chief Nurse Officer of the US Public Health Service to be officially known as the country's National Nurse, Congress will provide an impetus for promoting the Medical Reserve Corps and strengthening existing public health infrastructure and resources, through which nurses and other health workers within each community would deliver and reinforce messages of prevention.

Developing this "Prevention Promotion" network would have a huge impact on reduction of preventable disease. This strategy would help shift our nation to focus on prevention, and along with other health care reform initiatives has potential for tremendous positive impact. The ANA social policy statement includes a call for nurses to be involved in health promotion and prevention strategies and HR 4601 accomplishes this in actions.

The current bill language is different from a bill introduced into Congress in 2006 and is based on feedback members of the National Nursing Network Organization received after four years of meetings with the USPHS, nursing leadership, and key stake holders. In fact, the American Nurses Association played a key role- it was their letter that they and the Quad Council sent to HHS Secretary Leavitt that formed the basis for this legislation. This letter stated “ Many of us in the nursing community firmly believe that the PHS Chief Nurse Officer is already the “National Nurse.” We feel it would be counterproductive to establish a separate office or re-title the current position which would ultimately compete with the PHS Chief Nurse Officer for authority, recognition, and already scarce resources.”

Supporters agree and HR 4601 asks for the Chief Nurse Officer position to be KNOWN as the National Nurse, there is NO title change requested in the bill language. Please read this two page bill that is easy to understand. The title of National Nurse is necessary because we have found that too few nurses let alone members of the public can name the CNO of the USPHS. You may be asking yourself right now, who is the current Chief Nurse Officer of the USPHS?

One goal of this legislation is to have a visible nurse leader who has the skills, knowledge, expertise and years of experience to help lead our country into a culture of prevention. So when First Lady Michelle Obama is speaking in front of the nation about childhood obesity, imagine the impact the CNO/National Nurse would have in inspiring and engaging the public to participate in health promotion activities. And because this position is currently funded, federal dollars would not be competed for that could go towards nursing education and improvement of the nursing workforce.

The bill language is carefully crafted so as NOT to politicize the position of the CNO. The CNO/National Nurse appointment and successors would be chosen through the same nominating process currently used (this is not a Cabinet position, nor is it a Presidential appointment like the Surgeon General).

Furthermore, the current duties of the CNO are retained. The position is being increased to full time; as presently the CNO works half time as the CNO and half time in the department of the HHS where the CNO previously worked full time. Doubling the CNO hours will allow more time to interface with the Federal Nurse Council and more time to direct the USPHS interdisciplinary staff. It is appropriate for the CNO to be known as the National Nurse because the reality is nurses are the largest segment of the US Public Health Service workforce as well as the largest sector of the healthcare workforce.

A review of the literature has shown that health education coupled with social marketing strategies works-this is exactly what is being asked for in HR 4601. One example is Tobacco Free California. With aggressive advertising and public relations campaigns, along with community programs, the state has made significant advances in achieving a tobacco free California. As a result, California has the second lowest adult smoking rate in the nation; only Utah is lower.

Once HR 4601 is explained, most rank and file nurses see this as a real opportunity, a rare opportunity, to unite nurses across all specialty areas, to help showcase public health and community nursing roles, and to do a very positive action for society- to help reduce preventable conditions.

There are many ways to help promote the passage of HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010. If you too are inspired to make a difference and want to take part in this grassroots campaign please email the National Nursing Network Organization's Board of Directors and we will provide you with ways to help.

Students Advocate for HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010 During ONA Gathering

2010-05-05T03:31:00.000-07:00

Pictured: Former Secretary of State Bill Bradbury (Gubernatorial Candidate-OR) and NNNO President Teri Mills

Special thanks to Oregon Gubernatorial Candidate Bill Bradburywho included his strong support of HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010 in his remarks during the conference. Bradbury stated last February, "One way we can bring down costs is by recognizing the significant health services that can be provided by nurses beginning with prevention, a cornerstone of their practice. My children were delivered by a nurse midwife and my daughter just had a baby with a nurse midwife and they're all happy and healthy. It's clear to me that nurses are key in providing these health promotion services, and that government has an obligation to bring more attention to the critical role they play in our health care system. That is why (today) I am proud to add my name to the growing list of supporters who endorse the implementation of an Office of the National Nurse."

Pictured: Dr. John Kitzhaber (Gubernatorial Candidate-OR) and Elizabeth McPhee (Portland Community SNA President and USA Today/Coca Cola Silver Scholar)

It was a great day to be lobbying for HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010 and student nurses representing the Portland Community College Chapter of the Student Nurse Association wasted little time. President Elizabeth McPhee introduced herself to Oregon Gubernatorial Candidate John Kitzhaber and handed him a button that read America Needs A National Nurse Now.

Pictured left to right: Incoming President-Elect Penny Roxas SN (Class of 2011), Antoine Drakeford SN (Class of 2010), President Elizabeth McPhee (Class of 2010), and NNNO President Teri Mills MS, RN, CNE

Students studying nursing continue to be mesmerized and supportive of legislation to create an Office of the National Nurse. They realize the potential of a visible and prominent nurse leader to guide health promotion efforts. As they study and learn more about the rise in epidemics of preventable chronic conditions, they become even more convinced that a National Nurse can make a difference in improving the health of our nation.

According to the CDC Website, 24 million Americans have diabetes; 57 million are at risk for developing diabetes, due to our nation’s obesity crisis. It costs $174 billion to care for the 24 million. If we were to prevent just one percent of those at risk from developing diabetes, through replication of successful health promotion programs, under the guidance of a National Nurse, we would save the country 4.13 billion dollars. Students agree and say how can we afford not to try this cost effective and common sense approach for prevention?

Stokowski’s Article in Medscape Nurses, “Will We Have a National Nurse?” Top Story in ANA Smart Brief in March!

2010-05-03T01:38:00.000-07:00

Due to the large number of emails that the National Nursing Network Organization continues to receive related to a piece published in MedScape Nurses late March, we wanted to be sure those visiting this website also had a chance to read it.

First and foremost, congratulations to writer Laura Stokowski MS, RN for writing a compelling article in MedScape Nurses for HR 4601, The National Nurse Act of 2010. This turned out to be the first article featured in the American Nurses Association’s March 23, 2010 online SmartBrief. Thank you to the many nurses who wrote and continue to write to the NNNO Board after reading Stokowski’s piece to request more information and ask how they can help support this important legislation to improve the public’s health and increase the visibility of the nursing profession.

Stokowski begins by writing, “On February 4, 2010, something happened that could change the future of healthcare and the nursing profession. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) introduced into the US House of Representatives HR 4601, a bill to create an Office of the National Nurse. The United States has had a Surgeon General for 140 years. Many people feel that it's about time we had a nurse in such a noteworthy, visible position.

The article also contains an informative interview by Alisa Schneider, the Vice-President of the National Nursing Network Organization. One question Schneider responded to is why do we need a National Nurse?

Ms. Schneider: “We have a Surgeon General and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and from those offices and others we get a huge amount of health-related information -- really important information about health concerns in our country and what should be done about them. What we don't have, though, is a good mechanism to deliver those messages on a broader scale. Just as the nurse at the bedside delivers messages about health and illness prevention to individual patients, the Office of the National Nurse would deliver similar messages to the population as a whole.

We see the Office of the National Nurse as providing that missing delivery mechanism. Nurses aren't just care providers; they are also health educators. The National Nurse would be a tangible, recognizable role model for what nurses do and do well -- which is educate people about their health.”

Thank You Representative Carol Shea-Porter (NH-1)

2010-04-26T03:52:00.000-07:00

Pictured Representative Carol Shea Porter (NH-1)

The National Nursing Network Organization and supporters thank Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (NH-1) for her co-sponsorship of HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010. Here is Congresswoman Shea-Porter's statement:

“I cosponsored the National Nurse Act because I understand the critical role nurses play in our health care delivery system. Nurses are often the first line of care for patients, which is why their jobs are so important. This legislation will encourage national wellness and prevention efforts throughout the country.”

Remembering Dr. Dorothy Height

2010-04-21T03:12:00.000-07:00

The Board of Directors of the National Nursing Network Organization joins many who mourn the passing of Dr. Dorothy Height, an African-American administrator, an educator, and a civil rights activist. The two main causes that she crusaded for almost her entire life were equal rights for all and social justice. Height joined Dr. Martin Luther King on the podium when King delivered his most memorable speech, "I Have A Dream" in Washington DC. Many know Height as the founding matriarch of the civil rights movement. Dorothy Height was also the daughter of a nurse; her mother often encouraged her to stand up for her beliefs.

During a 2003 interview Height said, "I'm always an optimist because I have an abiding faith. And I believe that somehow or other the right will prevail and we have to keep working, I think justice is not an impossibility. I think we can achieve it ...But every battle seems to have to be hard fought and hard and we have to work at it. And that's why I think that we worked with the faith that we can bring about change."

Height's continued passion, dedication, and tireless work opened up many doors for civil and women's rights. She inspired countless women to become effective leaders and remained a close mentor and confidante to those working to make our country a better and more just place to live.

Her words ring true for those working to see the passage of HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010:
"You have the power to benefit your community for the next 10 years. You have the right to be counted," ... "It is your civic duty. Don't let anybody or anything stop you."
Dr. Dorothy Height

Thank You Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09)

2010-04-15T04:11:00.000-07:00

Pictured: Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09)

The National Nursing Network Organization and supporters thank Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) for her co-sponsorship of HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010. Here is Congresswoman Schakowsky's statement:

"I am proud to be a cosponsor of Representative Blumenauer's bill to create the Office of the National Nurse, H.R. 4601. We all know how critical nurses are in providing direct care to patients. As a member of Congress, I know that nurses are just as critical in shaping health care policy and setting priorities to improve health care outcomes. As a member of the House Nursing Caucus, a supporter of the Nurse Reinvestment Act, and a sponsor of the Nurse Staffing Standards for Patient Safety and Quality Care Act, I am committed to ensuring that nurses have a place at the table when it comes to making policy decisions. That is why I am pushing for enactment of the National Nurse Act."

Volunteerism is Alive and Well in America

2010-04-12T01:54:00.000-07:00

Parade Magazine recently highlighted what America cares about. This included an article, "Compassion Counts More Than Ever", authored by Michael Berland. A recent poll by Parade found that despite tough economic times, the United States is experiencing an increase of compassion, especially in the arena of people helping each other.

There is a volunteer boom! A new Parade poll affirms this. Ninety-four percent of poll respondents (94%) were nearly unanimous in the belief that it is "important to be personally involved in supporting a cause we believe in" in our communities. Most of the poll respondents are motivated toward public service by simple altruism. Sixty percent (60%) want to help other people with "many people moved to act on behalf of their own communities."

Berland states, " 'Public Service' has become more than a phrase or a school graduation requirement, it's now a way of life for Americans of all ages." The unemployed are volunteering to stay connected to their communities and "part of what is driving the overall increase is the growing understanding that service is an essential tool to achieve community and national goals" says Patrick Covington, CEO of the federal Corporation for National and Community Service.

The National Nursing Network Organization and supporters of HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010 know that nurses and other health professionals do volunteer often. Nurses, the largest sector of the healthcare workforce, see the public across the age spectrum and often have repeated contact with the same individuals. And because they are so highly trusted, nurses are a great resource to introduce, emphasize, and reinforce prevention programs, and provide strong messages for better health behaviors.

Positive Non-Partisan News for Health Care Reform Package

2010-04-06T05:28:00.000-07:00

Pictured left to right: Elizabeth McPhee, Craig Grover, Jennifer Reed
For Immediate Release:

America’s future nurses advocate for national nurse leader for prevention

Student nurses gather in Orlando, Florida for National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) convention.

Orlando, Florida: Portland Community College (PCC) student nurses Craig Grover and Jennifer Reed, led by USA Today Coca Cola Silver Scholar and PCC SNA chapter President Elizabeth McPhee, will be presenting a resolution in the NSNA House of Delegates on Friday, April 9, asking that the Chief Nurse Officer (CNO) position within the US Public Health Service (USPHS) be known as the National Nurse to serve as a leader in a nationwide focus on health promotion and illness prevention.

Congressman Earl Blumenhauer (OR-3) introduced HR 4601, the National Nurse Act of 2010 as he too recognizes the need for a visible nurse leader for Public Health. “Although the legislative battle of enacting health reform is over, the real work of implementation is just beginning and nurses play a critical role in building a more effective health care system for all Americans. In recognition of National Public Health Week, we remember that our nurses stand on the front lines in fighting public health challenges like chronic illness and obesity, and moving our infrastructure from "sick-care" to "health-care." Establishing a full-time National Nurse is an important way to make heard the voices of thousands of dedicated nurses across the nation. A National Nurse position will complement the work of the Surgeon General in addressing our country's public health challenges.” --Congressman Earl Blumenauer

Students felt compelled to advocate for this leadership role after learning that Americans rank prevention as the number one most important health care reform priority (Trust for America’s Health and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Reform Poll, 2009). “As our country shifts towards a nationwide focus on prevention and health promotion we believe it is nurses who should be standing at the forefront of this reformation” states McPhee. “We believe nurses are the ideal messengers to deliver health promotion messages as this is the cornerstone of every nurse's practice.”

The National Nurse will serve as a leader in the nationwide focus on health promotion and illness prevention. Duties of this position will be to complement the work of the Surgeon General, and to enhance existing prevention networks by encouraging nurses to replicate successful health promotion programs in their local communities, thereby strengthening existing public health partnerships.

Alisa Schneider, MSN, RN faculty advisor to the PCC SNA chapter will accompany the students. “These future nurses have a very different energy for their new profession than past generations. They recognize the importance of the nurse’s unique voice and want to play a role in decisions that are made for their profession. The time is ideal for them to advocate for leadership in health promotion and prevention”, says Schneider.

HR 4601 has been endorsed by dozens of prominent organizations and individuals and the students’ goal is to add NSNA to this list.

National Public Health Week April 5-11th

2010-04-02T03:27:00.000-07:00

As more emphasis is placed on community action to promote better health, the vision and purpose of having a National Nurse is reinforced. National Public Health Week is April 5-11 and this year's theme is a perfect example.

Read this important message below from our colleagues at APHA:

National Public Health Week (NPHW) kicks off next Monday, April 5, 2010! This year’s theme is “A Healthier America: One Community at a Time.” During the week, Americans will be asked to champion public health by making healthy changes – big and small – in their communities, workplace, and schools.

This year, Representative Lucille Roybal-Allard and Senator Tom Udall have introduced resolutions in recognition of NPHW highlighting the need to strengthen our public health system and better educate Americans about the importance of public health and prevention in building healthier communities.

Please take the time to send a message TODAY to your Representative and to your Senators urging them to cosponsor the NPHW resolutions! Congress is in recess this coming week, returning to Capitol Hill on April 12th. This is an ideal time to call your US Representative's local office to make an appointment to discuss and advocate for HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010. To assist you in finding out who your Representative is and to find their phone number, visit this Take Action Link.

Let's Move and HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010

2010-03-29T04:31:00.000-07:00

"Let's Move"" and HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010 have potential to become a very productive partnership! Engaging volunteer nurses in "Let's Move" will be facilitated with passage of HR 4601, calling for the Chief Nurse of the US Public Health Service to be known as the National Nurse to provide guidance for prevention efforts in local communities.

Supporters of HR 4601 seek a National Nurse to raise visibility of nursing and tap into the existing skills and expertise of our nation's nurse workforce to address the rising epidemics of preventable conditions. Many nurses (including students and retirees) indicate willingness to be involved in their community's prevention efforts, but see authoritative leadership, social marketing and national emphasis are needed.

Nurses know resources, have key knowledge, value evidence based interventions and can implement ongoing evaluation. Nurses are also present in all cultural communities and are repeatedly voted the "most trusted" profession. They can be strong advocates for "Let's Move" and other health promotion programs. Leadership and guidance provided by the National Nurse will enable a ready pool of skilled and qualified advocates to hit the ground running and implement evidence based interventions.

The public, including youth and parents, will better understand roles of community and public health nursing, thus recruitment to nursing and other health professions will be enhanced. Student nurses will find valuable opportunities for community service and learning experiences. Retirees can remain active in their profession and utilize their skills and experiences advantageously. The Medical Reserve Corps, the American Heart Association and many other existing networks for health promotion will gain skilled manpower and their programs will be strengthened by participation of local health professionals.

This concept is cost effective as it utilizes an existing position and avoids duplication. Local grants can be sought to fund local efforts. Many nurses and stake holders see the potential for a productive partnership here. They would welcome an opportunity to discuss this legislation with the First Lady. Nurses also want to thank Michelle Obama for adopting this worthy cause, wish her much success, and visualize a National Nurse at her side to offer guidance and expertise.

Thank You Congressman David Wu (OR-1)

2010-03-23T02:43:00.000-07:00

Pictured: Congressman David Wu (OR-1)

The National Nursing Network Organization and supporters thank Congressman David Wu (OR-1) for his co-sponsorship of HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010.

Here Congressman Wu's statement:
“Nurses are on the front line of our health care system. By educating the public about health promotion and working closely with patients to explain diagnoses, treatments, and prevention methods, nurses can play a key role in reducing overall health costs. Similarly, the National Nurse can play a key role in health care reform by advocating for nurses and supporting national efforts to help Americans lead healthier lives. The National Nurse can also serve as a strong promoter of nursing education, helping nurses provide even better, more effective treatment for patients.”

Press Release Underscores National Nurse Act of 2010 Is Right for America

2010-03-11T06:52:00.000-08:00

On March 5, 2010 HHS Secretary Sebelius announced the availability of $10 million in Recovery Act Funds for the Community Prevention and Wellness Initiative (CPWI). The intent of this funding opportunity is to make it easier for national, public, or private non-profit organizations to apply for funding in cooperative agreements to help communities decrease smoking and obesity, increase physical activity and improve nutrition.

From the fact sheet describing Communities Putting Prevention to Work, "The HHS Office of Public Health and Science is leading the national organizations component of Communities Putting Prevention to Work in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many national organizations serve as trusted community sources where families go to participate in programs and come together with others to talk about important issues and build partnerships for action. While other pieces of CPPW target funding to local and state governments, HHS recognizes a national prevention movement will require additional leaders. This new opportunity creates a model public-private partnership to make and sustain important changes in communities."

This provides strong rationale for Congress to pass HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010. The bill language asks for the CNO of the USPHS to be known as the National Nurse, and also asks specifically for the National Nurse to encourage community-based, nonprofit organizations to seek grants for the purpose of education and interventions to address the annual health priorities. This legislation also includes language for the National Nurse to encourage practicing nurses and other health professionals, including retired health professionals and students enrolled in health professional programs, to participate in health promotion activities and replicate successful health promotion activities.

Health promotion and disease prevention are cornerstones of nursing practice. Nurses want to become active advocates for prevention in their local communities, and more needs to be done to prevent the rising incidence of chronic preventable diseases and their costly consequences. “In the United States, 7 of 10 deaths result from chronic disease,” said HHS Assistant Secretary for Health Howard K. Koh, M.D., M.P.H. The National Nurse would provide this necessary and important direction.

Meet With Your U.S. Representatives!

2010-03-08T01:33:00.000-08:00

Great news… did you know that your own U.S. Representative will be at home during March 29-April 9th; Congress is in recess during this time. You and other supporters are encouraged to call their local office and make appointments to discuss and advocate for HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010. To assist you in finding out who your Representative is and to find their phone number, visit this Take Action Link.

These appointments are important and effective because a voting constituent always has the attention of their elected official. These meetings are also fun and very rewarding because you personally have taken action to make a difference in improving the nation’s health. If you happen to be an undergraduate or graduate nursing student, this is also an excellent way to fulfill a class project on leadership, policy-making, and political activism.

The Nursing Network Organization has put together materials and talking points to help make your visit a success. Please email the NNNO Board to receive materials that you can print from your own computer to take with you.

Support HR 4601- A National Health Care Advocate for All Americans

2010-03-02T01:55:00.000-08:00

Every day nurses play essential roles in the lives of their patients. One of our most important roles is as teachers. We give people the tools to make healthy decisions. Yet, the benefits of preventative medicine and education have been largely ignored over the past years, and the support nurses and patients need to properly carry out prevention has not been there. We need a National Nurse to be a national advocate for our patients and for nurses so that we can help develop a healthier America. A National Nurse would provide valuable insight that comes from men and women who are at the bedside more often than any other health care provider, people who hear patient needs on a daily basis. Statistics show that prevention is key in health promotion.

A recent study of obesity in America titled F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America 2009 shows that “[e]xperts estimate that more than a quarter of America’s health care costs are related to obesity.” and “[t]hat an investment of just $10 per person per year in proven community-based disease prevention programs could save the country more than $16 billion annually within five years. This is a return of $5.60 for every $1.” In the next few years, patient care will need to become more prevention based than treatment based if we are to meet our Healthy People 2010 and 2020 goals. A National Nurse will be essential to successful health care reform in America that truly benefits all by making healthier Americans and decreasing health care costs. A National Nurse would be a national health care advocate for all Americans.

Please join me in strongly supporting HR 4601 The National Nurse Act of 2010.

Submitted by Beth Ann Nyssen RN, BSN
Portland, Oregon

Opinion Leaders Affirm Desire for Nursing Leadership to Promote Prevention

2010-02-25T04:11:00.000-08:00

A new report, Nursing Leadership from Bedside to Boardroom: Opinion Leaders' Perceptions, was released last month by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Based on a Gallup poll survey, this study revealed that an overwhelming majority of the 1,504 opinion leaders who participated believe nurses should have more influence on healthcare and services. Undoubtedly most nurses, especially those supporting HR 4601, The National Nurse Act of 2010, will concur with these findings.

Key barriers to increased influence for nurses cited in the survey were 1) nursing not being perceived as important in the decision-making process (69%); 2) nurses focus on primary rather than preventive care (62%); and 3) nursing not having a single voice to speak authoritatively on national issues (56%). All of these are reasons to move forward to implement an Office of the National Nurse to help address these deficiencies. Having a visible and prominent National Nurse would be one way to begin to overcome these barriers and set an example of how nurses can take their deserved place at the table for health care reform.

Please read the excellent synopsis of this study to see for the parallels and familiar issues discussed. In many ways, this report confirms the need and rationale for elevating the Chief Nurse Officer of the U.S. Public Health Service to serve as the National Nurse as 86% of those surveyed they would like to see nurses have more influence in promoting wellness and expanding preventive care.

Debbie Orre, National Nurse Supporter, On The Ground in Haiti

2010-02-22T02:58:00.000-08:00

Debbie Orre MSN, RN and National Nurse supporter traveled to Haiti to volunteer as a nurse last month. Debbie provides us with this personal and firsthand report including these pictures.

On January 19th I was given the privilege and opportunity to travel with a medical group to Haiti. We arrived eight days after the earthquake from Santiago in the Dominican Republic via charter plane, ultimately landing on the road-become-airstrip in Leogane.

The group I was associated with is part of an organization called Forward in Health, founded by our local Pediatrician, John Mulqueen and his wife, Paula (a nurse). They have been in existence for about six years now and are currently building a clinic in the northern part of Haiti. Fortunately for them, this area was not badly damaged in the quake. They soon began to receive urgent emails, however, from a mission they work with while down there called Mission of Hope, pleading for their help. John and Paula mobilized the people and gathered the supplies in 5 short days. In turn the pastor of the mission and his wife, Lex and Renee, agreed to host us and provide the necessary vehicles and drivers.

Thus, once we arrived in Leogane, we were ready to roll. Lex took us immediately to a village in the mountains called St. Etienne for our first clinic and we went to work treating an assortment of fractures, dislocations and infected wounds. Later that afternoon, once we had seen everyone there, we were brought to the mission house of our hosts, where we feasted on a wonderful meal of spaghetti and slept on our choice of either the concrete ground, the bus we used for travel, or in the case of our obstetrician, a long, folding table.

Over the next few days, we ran clinics in Gran Goave, where Lex and Renee’s mission is located, or traveled to a variety of tent cities treating people out of the back of our box truck. Our last day was the most difficult for us. A medical group from Doctor’s Without Borders asked us to relieve them so we traveled to a town called Petit Goave on the other side of the mountain. There was a hospital there but it was too badly damaged to use so the group had erected a clinic/tent and, in their absence, we were able to take it over. It was still early but there were already many patients lined up for us to see. The day became hot and busy, and we had a hard time keeping up. We saved the two most difficult cases for last. The OR at this hospital was in a separate building that had not been too badly damaged to use. With the help of several Cuban doctors and nurses we were able to debride a badly burned boy and do a below the knee amputation on a 10 year-old under more sterile conditions.

Packing up to leave that evening we found we had many conflicting feelings. While we knew that many of the people we treated may not otherwise have received care at all, we also knew that we were delivering a sort of ‘hit and run’ medicine, leaving us worried about follow up and survivability of patients once we left. We were creative and able to adapt treatment methods to fit our circumstances, adlibbing as we went, but were not use to the harsh circumstances we found ourselves in.

There were four doctors with us: a pediatrician, obstetrician, family practitioner and orthopedic surgeon. There were also 7 nurses, a lawyer who functioned as our pharmacist and an EMT. None of us practiced within our traditional roles, performing what needed to be done, when and how best we could.

It soon became clear that our orthopedic surgeon was the person on our team most in demand. After our day in Petit Goave he was exhausted and pensive on the return bus trip. However, we soon met up with the doctor who ran the clinic that day at the Mission of Hope church who needed a patient to be evaluated by our orthopedic surgeon if possible. Though I know it must have taken his last bit of energy, he got off the bus, along with our equally tired obstetrician, and they saw the patient before walking four or so miles back to the mission house. When I questioned him about this later he said simply “You have to do what you have to do. That’s all.”

Our evenings were mostly unpredictable and involved at least some of us working at any given point in time. One night, our obstetrician was approached to assist in a breach-birth delivery. Unfortunately, the baby didn’t make it. Another night found five of us walking to a nearby clinic to see several patients we had previously agreed to see, and even brought along one of our own because they had a room that was more conducive to the use of light anesthesia (Ketamine) and joint manipulation. As we were leaving, we were asked to go into a tent city that had sprung up just outside the clinic to see a patient who was ill. Its interior presented us with unique difficulties made worse by the fact that most people were already asleep. Because they were so close together we had to step over them and onto their blankets in order to even get to the patient. The rooms were sectioned off with blankets in a disconcerting and haphazard maze. We soon found ourselves mumbling over fears of being unable to find our way out or, worse yet, tripping and falling on someone, especially in the dim to nonexistent light.

On another evening, the family practice doc was asked to see a local 36 year-old woman whom he diagnosed as being in a severe Sickle Cell Crisis. He worried about her throughout the night and first thing in the morning hopped onto a motorcycle with a visiting pastor to drive the mile or two down the road in order to approach a group of US Navy men recently stationed there. He asked them to assist him in getting both she and another young man onto the medical ship, Comfort, in the Port-O-Prince harbor. They readily agreed and were very helpful in gathering up the patients then transporting them via helicopter onto the ship. The doctor cradled the woman in his lap the whole way hopeful that she would pull through but unfortunately we recently found out that she had died.

On our last evening there, we were all invited to dinner at the United Nations (UN) Compound near where we were staying. The UN also provided us with food and water during our busy day in Petit Gaove. They patrolled the streets where we stayed each night, since the walls surrounding the mission house had fallen during the quake, and we often saw them in the process of handing out food and other supplies.

I believe that I speak for each of us in saying that we returned home awestruck, exhausted and grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Haiti during a time of such great need. More information concerning our trip and other information concerning Forward in Health is available on their website at http://forwardinhealth.org. Donations would be greatly appreciated.

Experiencing Haiti After the Quake

It was a rare opportunity, both exciting and frightening,
And one that would move me beyond my ordinary ‘self’.
It brought me to a disorientating place,
Allowing me to step out of time and space,
And produced in me a sense of awe and humility.

Here, there was nothing that needed doing,
Except to follow the flow of energy,
Commitment and connection.
But when I returned to the ‘present’,
I had become someone more than the person I once was.

A Letter to Our Colleagues

2010-02-18T01:02:00.000-08:00

Dear Professional Nurse Colleagues,

Don't miss this opportunity to invest in the future of nursing and in the health of America. A small donation of $20.00 unites you to a broad based national network that works to provide a full-time, visible, effective National Nurse to do what nurses do best: health promotion, prevention, health education and nurse recruitment. This very small investment on your part puts you in the big picture.

Please help. Please read on, to see how you will make an impact.

Members of the NNNO are going to Washington, DC to lobby for HR 4601, The National Nurse Act of 2010. We are in need of your financial support ASAP, and you can be 100% certain that every penny will be utilized responsibly!

We are gearing up to lobby Washington DC and we welcome and encourage supporters to join us. Visiting our elected officials on Capitol Hill and with national leaders is important to generate and solidify support for HR 4601-The National Nurse Act of 2010. We must bring newly elected legislators on board, and re-engage members who have supported our goals in the past.

In contrast to the National Nursing Network Organization, lobbyists for big companies spend millions to influence Congress. We operate on a shoe-string budget but our strongest asset is a great idea, fueled with vision, passion, tenacity, and supporters like you. While the NNNO board members ALWAYS absorb much of travel costs personally, donations are needed to defray these expenses, as well as daily business operations. Not one donation penny goes toward any salary for any NNNO board member, or other person. And every cent is diligently accounted for.

A $50 donation by our endorsing organizations would go a long way to cover this outreach. And remember that all $20 contributions from individuals will assure your legislators receive a packet and certificate acknowledging your support establishing an Office of the National Nurse by elevating the current CNO of the USPHS to bring more visibility to nursing’s role in health promotion.

To date we have received donations from supporters living in Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, New Hampshire, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Vermont, Virginia and the District of Columbia and we heartily thank them!

Please make your donation on line or by emailing the NNNO Board for information on where to send a check. *Please be aware that while the NNNO is a non-profit corporation, it is not tax exempt, and therefore your contributions are not tax deductible.

The sooner we get our National Nurse, the sooner the knowledge of nurses can be better utilized to get our nation on track to prevention and wellness. We promise to work hard and relentlessly on Capital Hill.

3rd Annual Healthy Living "Love Your Heart" A Resounding Success!

2010-02-15T03:36:00.000-08:00

February is HEART month and thanks to great leadership the third annual Healthy Living Fair "Love Your Heart" fair held at Tuality Healthcare in Hillsboro, Oregon was deemed successful. Over 100 members of the public came to learn more about their life style. Most had their blood pressure checked, some were screened for cholesterol and glucose, and all were provided with educational materials ranging from eating healthy to smoking cessation, risk factors and exercise.

Pictured left to right: Cynthia Lambert SN (PCC Class of 2010 and Jessica Manzoni SN (PCC) Class of 2010

Nearly forty Portland Community College nursing students were on hand to answer questions and also to do one on one motivational interviewing. Participants were given the opportunity to evaluate the event and all strongly agreed or agreed that the Health Fair was worthwhile. It was especially rewarding to see returnees from previous years. The majority of those attending stated they planned to make a change in their normal routine based on what they had learned. The "Love Your Heart" fair is just one example of how having an Office of the National Nurse could make a difference in promoting health and reducing the rate of chronic disease. HR 4601-The National Nurse Act of 2010 calls for the National Nurse to "provide guidance and leadership for activities to promote the public health, including encouraging nurses and other health professionals to be volunteers and developing projects that educate the public about and engage the public in prevention practices to achieve better health."

Pictured Trixilyn Ward (age 3) and Craig Grover SN (PCC Class of 2010)

Activities were age appropriate and children were encouraged to play with an interactive heart or color paper hearts. It is never too early to practice healthy living! s and developing projects that educate the public about and engage the public in prevention practices to achieve better health.

Thank You Congressman Earl Blumenauer (OR-3)

2010-02-11T05:30:00.000-08:00

Pictured: Congressman Earl Blumenauer (OR-3)

The National Nursing Network Organization commends Congressman Earl Blumenauer (OR-3) for sponsoring HR 4601-The National Nurse Act of 2010. We would like to share his statement with you.

"We all have a story to share about how a nurse has impacted us, from the school nurse who tended to our kids to the nurse in the emergency room who was the first on the scene," said Congressman Earl Blumenauer. "Establishing a full-time National Nurse is an important way to make heard the voices of thousands of dedicated nurses across the nation. A National Nurse position will complement the work of the Surgeon General in addressing our country's public health challenges."

Sandy Summers, RN, MSN, MPH Executive Director from The Truth About Nursing wrote to Congressman Blumenauer to express her support of HR 4601. Summers states, "We need a nurse leader with a high profile who can help raise awareness that nurses are college-educated professionals who save lives and improve outcomes. Bill HR 4601 for the National Nurse will help create a world where society and decision makers understand the value of nursing. Nursing is drastically undervalued and underfunded. When nursing education, practice, residencies and research are underfunded, patient care is weakened by insufficient quality and quantity of nursing care. The Office of the National Nurse would help end the societal disrespect of nursing that leads to this underfunding--underfunding which leads to patients needlessly dying."

Sandy Summers, RN, MSN, MPH
Executive Director
The Truth About Nursing
Co-author: Saving Lives: Why the Media's Portrayal of Nurses Puts Us All at Risk
203 Churchwardens Rd.
Baltimore, Maryland 21212-2937 USA
phone 1-410-323-1100
fax 1-410-510-1790
ssummers@truthaboutnursing.org
http://www.truthaboutnursing.org

Congressman Earl Blumenauer (OR-3) Introduces National Nurse Act of 2010

2010-02-08T03:40:00.000-08:00

Washington DC – Thanks to the leadership and vision of Congressman Earl Blumenauer (OR-3), nursing sees its vision to improve the nation’s health introduced as a bill into Congress. The bill language can now be found on the Thomas Website and will be added soon to the National Nurse home page and News Link.

On February 4, 2010, Blumenauer, a member of the 119-member House Nursing Caucus and the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, introduced HR 4601 to create an Office of the National Nurse.

To avoid duplication of services and minimize cost, the National Nurse Act of 2010 designates the position of the Chief Nurse Officer of the US Public Health Service to serve as the National Nurse. The National Nurse would function along side the Surgeon General. National Nurse priorities would promote health, improve health literacy and decrease health disparities.

The Office of the National Nurse will strengthen the work of existing groups such as the Office of the Surgeon General, Medical Reserve Corps and community agencies through a more robust, visible, full- time, and modernized nursing leadership presence. Nurses are well positioned to provide this much needed change as they are 3.4 million strong, the most trusted of all health professionals, span all cultures, and are accomplished health educators.

An Open Letter to First Lady Michelle Obama

2010-02-03T07:38:00.000-08:00

Pictured: First Lady Michelle Obama
February 3, 2010

Dear Mrs. Obama,

Your initiative to combat childhood obesity is commendable and one that supports this year’s theme for National Nurses Week - Nurses: Caring Today for a Healthier Tomorrow. Nurses across the country fully support all efforts to attain a healthier nation. And we, the Board of Directors of the National Nursing Network Organization (NNNO) believe that focusing on health awareness among our youth is key. We are a non-profit organization of grassroots nurses devoted to informing the nation about the critical need for an Office of the National Nurse.

As you know, nurses are well versed and educated on what it takes to lead healthy lives. As you recall your own experiences as a mother, there may be several instances when nurses provided you with messages that helped you and your loved ones stay well. The first meaningful contact a person born in the U.S. typically has, besides their parents, is with a nurse. It is the labor and delivery nurse who first teaches the mother-to-be about the importance of breastfeeding. Later, when the new mom is transferred, the postpartum nurse is responsible for teaching and educating parents about the importance of the baby's nutrition and care as well as the care of the mom and even the dad. Listening to the teachings of a postpartum nurse often makes the difference between successful or unsuccessful parenting.

Throughout an individual's life cycle, nurses have numerous opportunities to teach health promotion during routine and “sick” visits to their healthcare providers. And nurses outnumber physicians by a ratio of three-to-one. Add to that the fact that nurses are among the most trusted professionals in the nation, and it is clear that the nursing profession is perfectly postured to partner with you to reach high goals related to childhood nutrition.

Only one thing stands in the way of having the nursing voice heard and truly valued. That obstacle is the image of nursing. Unfortunately, nurses have to overcome powerful negative images that come from the media. Many of these images portray nurses as handmaidens to physicians, rather than as professionals with their own licenses who collaborate care with physicians, for the patient's wellness.

We as nurses would like a solid partnership with you. And we believe we have an idea that is innovative, effective, and perhaps these days most importantly, cost-effective. We need a National Nurse! We are not asking for the creation of another agency. Rather, a current position exists within the USPHS, the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) and we believe this individual has the knowledge, expertise and skills to be recognized as the “National Nurse.”

The establishment of the Office of the National Nurse – and your endorsement of it – would go a long way toward towards achieving our goals of improving children's nutritional health and improving the public perception of nurses. A nurse alongside you and the Surgeon General would be a tremendous morale-booster for nurses. The public will benefit from nurses as national participants in ensuring the best nutritional and health education for the youngest, most vulnerable members of society.

We would be honored if you call upon us to learn more about how effective our grassroots efforts to establish a National Nurse has been since the idea was first presented in an op/ed, America's Nurse, that was published in 2005 in The New York Times. Members of our Board will be traveling to Washington DC on March 25 and 26 and would be delighted to meet with you or a member of your staff.

Sincerely,
Alisa, Susan, Teri, and Terri
The NNNO Board of Directors

Nurse Practitioner In Favor of Office of the National Nurse

2010-02-01T04:47:00.000-08:00

Pictured: Karla McGee RN BSN CCRN FNP WSUV student

Health promotion is essential for improving the health of populations. For over one hundred and fifty years nurses have responded effectively to public health problems pioneered by the skill of Florence Nightingale, who spread the gospel to reduce communicable disease, Lillian Wald and Mary Breckinridge, just to name a few.

During the 70’s nurses made many contributions to improve health care including the hospice movement, day care of the elderly, drug abuse treatment programs, rehabilitation services and home health. The US public health service estimates about 10% of all early treatment can prevent early deaths in the US, wheras population based approaches can prevent about 70% of early deaths through measures that influence lifestyle choices and the environment.

RNs continue to actively participate in developing innovative ways to provide care through prevention by utilizing the nursing process. The nursing process enables the RN to assess illness and health care needs, plan interventions to meet those needs, implement effective plans and teach health care practices, effectively collect data, utilize the results to direct care and develop policy and research to promote health and prevent diseases.

Nurses look to the past for their inspiration and explanation only to predict and promote the comprehensive approaches that it will take to accomplish successful strategies. The future health care promotion and complex needs of the public must be met in synergy with the most trusted profession voted by the public, the NURSE. Nurses truly make a DIFFERENCE. I commend and endorse your organization’s principles and efforts.

Submitted by:
Karla McGee RN BSN CCRN FNP WSUV student

Portland Winter Hawks "tip their hats" for A National Nurse

2010-01-25T02:21:00.000-08:00

An exciting fundraising activity has come our way. A staunch supporter of the Office of the National Nurse initiative spoke with the Portland Winter Hawks hockey team and they have decided to provide us with a block of 100 tickets to their March 6th game. Purchasers of these tickets will also receive an added bonus, a great free Winter Hawks Hat!!

$4 per ticket sold will be donated to the National Nursing Network Organization (NNNO). Even better, if all tickets are purchased, the NNNO will be provided a publicity outreach table in the Food Court in order to educate others about the ONN initiative.

What: Portland Winter Hawks vs Tri-Cities Americans
When: Saturday March 6th at 7 pm
Where: Portland (Oregon) Rose Garden
Cost: $16 (four dollars of which will be donated to the NNNO)
REMEMBER!! Every ticket sold comes with a FREE Winter Hawks Hat!

To support this great cause and order tickets, please call L'Erin at 503-238-6366. Tickets can either be mailed or placed at will call.

Want to support the cause, but can't go to the game? There are several deserving nursing students who have worked tirelessly on the National Nurse campaign. Their budgets won't stretch to cover tickets for their young children who are eager to attend the game . If you would like to help by buying a ticket and putting it in a child's name to be picked up at the game, please email the NNNO Board .

News Link Recognized in Top 20!

2010-01-21T03:46:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the dozens of organizations and individuals who have graciously posted a link to the National Nurse home page or News Link. This action helps others to learn first hand information about the Office of the National Nurse initiative.

The National Nursing Network Organization was notified that for the second time this year, the News Link has been listed in a recommended list of websites, this time in The Top 20 Medical Blogs for Academic Reference!

Nurses Step Forward to Respond to Haitian Earthquake Disaster

2010-01-15T05:57:00.000-08:00

Nurses are responding to the tragedy in Haiti in many ways. The National Nursing Network Organization has received numerous emails asking for information on how to volunteer from nurses wanting to help the disaster victims in Haiti. Their actions graphically demonstrate how many nurses are willing to volunteer when needed, whether the need is in their own local communities or internationally. Those nurses who are able to do so will go quickly to the disaster area where they are desperately needed to provide direct care. Others will help at home organizing support efforts such as collection of appropriate needed supplies via faith-based organizations or assisting at their local American Red Cross disaster services office.

Nursing can be very proud of the altruism displayed by our colleagues and the National Nursing Network Organization commends all who volunteer alongside the military and humanitarian organization efforts.

For more information on health recommendations for those going to Haiti, be sure to review the CDC Health and Safety Recommendations for Relief Workers Responding to Disaster posted on the CDC website.

Nurses can be very helpful in advising and suggesting ways communities can make the most of needed donations. The Center for International Disaster Relief has information posted as well as the following phone numbers:

Donation/Volunteer Related Calls: 703-276-1914
Media Calls: 202-821-1983

Thanks to our esteemed public health nurse colleague in California for also recommending nurses check out National Nurse Response Team (NNRT) as well as their local Medical Reserve Corps (MRC). The NNRT makes them a Federal asset in case of disaster, and they get paid. The MRC is for local volunteers. In both cases, nurses will become part of a team with the ability to respond as needed.

The $20 Campaign

2010-01-11T04:37:00.000-08:00

Supporters of the Office of the National Nurse initiative have been fantastic and we know we can count on you in 2010. Most of you are aware that the National Nursing Network Organization (NNNO) is completely volunteer and made up of grassroots supporters just like you. Whereas many organizations and campaigns hire lobbyists/government relation specialists who are paid to go to Congress and advocate on their behalf, this is not the case with the NNNO. These same groups frequently pay a stipend or honorarium to their Board of Directors. The RNs who serve on the National Nursing Network Organization Board receive no compensation. Most have full time jobs, and none have ever accepted money for their NNNO advocacy work.

The NNNO is an all-volunteer organization composed of working nurses. We value the power each one of us has as an individual to advocate for change and make a difference in improving the health of our country and the image of our profession.

So when advertisers approach us, and ask if they can post ads and links on the National Nurse website, and then pay us, we decline their offers regardless of what they are selling.

This campaign depends on YOU-and today we ask you, our supporters, to please make an on line donation or email the NNNO Board of Directors to learn where to mail a check to support our efforts. (Since this newsletter is frequently posted on the Internet by many organizations, for safety reasons, we are not including home addresses-thank you for your understanding.)

If possible, please consider making a recurring on line donation. Five or ten dollars a month will help to offset the cost of the National Nurse websites, this newsletter, printing, and travel expenses for Board members able to make the trip to Washington.

For a one-time contribution of $20, the team will place a certificate in your honor inside a packet that will be delivered to your US Representative or Senator (you decide!) during our March trip to Washington DC. A copy of the certificate will also be mailed to you. Please know that it costs $20 to make up a professional packet of supporting materials about the Office of the National Nurse proposal, so your donation is actually paying for this packet.

The NNNO is a 501c4 non-profit corporation, but is not tax exempt (because our purpose is to lobby for the initiative) and therefore your contributions are not tax deductible.

Please join us, lend your support and empower nurses to make this vision for nursing possible. Together, nurses will make the Office of the National Nurse become a reality. We could not continue the work we do without your support! Thank you.

2010: International Year of the Nurse

2010-01-04T01:03:00.000-08:00

There is a familiar theme in the article by Tracey Boyd for Nursing Spectrum describing the valiant efforts of the grassroots movement to have 2010 Internationally declared the Year of the Nurse. Seeking a UN resolution is the brainchild of three nursing organizations: Sigma Theta Tau International, Nightingale Initiative for Global Health, and the Florence Nightingale Museum, London. The resolution’s mission is to “recognize the contributions of nurses globally and to engage nurses in the promotion of world health, including the U.N. [millennium development goals],” according to the website.

Nurses are on the frontlines of healthcare in the U.S. as well as every other country, so seeking recognition and support for the contributions of the profession of nursing in all societies is justified. Nurses are trusted professionals who altruistically serve their communities sharing knowledge, directing care and preventing illness. Promoting and expanding the influential roles nurses can integrate in their practice of health education to improve outcomes is long overdue.

This admirable international effort being actively promoted by nurse faculty and students at Adlephi University is a parallel in many ways to the growing national grass roots effort in the U.S. to establish an Office of the National Nurse. Both movements have the support of many nursing organizations and are actively supported by students, practicing nurses across all specialties, and retirees.

The National Nursing Network Organization (NNNO) has been coordinating a grassroots effort in the United States to establish an Office of the National Nurse since 2005. The NNNO is proud to support the global nursing community in their request to the United Nations to declare 2010 the Year of the Nurse. Nurses are logical partners to assist in the realization of each nation's health priorities and the UN Millennium Development Goals.

In the same way, nurses in the United States can be key advocates and providers to take action to move our nation's Healthy People 2020 Goals forward, identified leadership is key for both of these efforts to be successful. Many countries are fortunate to have an identified National Nurse who coordinates nursing action in support of global and national health priorities, and the U.S. deserves the same. With support of interested nurses everywhere, 2010 may be the year both these important campaigns are successful in enhancing the image and contributions of nurses.

To learn more, or to join the International Nurse of the Year Campaign, please visit www.nightingaledeclaration.net

2009 Year in Review

2009-12-21T04:13:00.000-08:00

The Office of the National Nurse Initiative continues to resonate with nurses who like the majority of Americans, rank prevention as the most important health care reform priority, and overwhelmingly support increasing funding for prevention programs to reduce disease and keep people healthy. You are all extremely important in our work to create an Office of the National Nurse- THANK YOU to the hundreds of you who tirelessly provided us with advice, expertise, and support this past year!

In the past four years, 400 posts have been written for the website and we have received over 100,000 visitors! The News Link recently received recognition; it is ranked number three in the Health/Nurse category of blogged.com Hundreds have now signed up for the National Nurse Campaign on Facebook.

Trust for America’s Health sent a thank you to the House of Representatives for their strong support of evidence-based prevention in the “Affordable Health Care for America Act; their note included the Office of the National Nurse logo!

We are especially grateful to the next generation of nurses. Nursing students have been instrumental in providing support and gaining endorsements. Thanks to PCC student nurses who are now RNs, a joint resolution urging the US Congress to enact legislation to create an Office of the National Nurse passed overwhelmingly in both branches of the Oregon State Legislature. Oregon joins Massachusetts, New York, and Vermont who had already passed similar resolutions.

The National Nursing Network Organization (NNNO) participated in three health promotion events: Heart Smart in the Park, Love Your Heart Healthy Living Fair, and the Haunted Hospital.

The National Nurse newsletter goes out to thousands- please email Teri if you know of others who are interested in receiving these updates.

Several of you sent us cash donations, via Click and Pledge or mailed the NNNO checks. We greatly appreciate this support to help maintain our website, mailing list, and brief travels to educate others about the ONN Initiative. In March 2009 we traveled to Washington DC and met with several members of Congress, their staff, and also with leaders who serve in the USPHS.

For anyone who wishes to take a trip down memory lane, click on the archived months of 2009 found at http://nationalnurse.blogspot.com to follow our journey.

Several organizations and prominent individuals endorsed the ONN initiative in 2009, including:

• Asian American/Pacific Islander Nurses Association
• Carla Mills ARNP, BSN, MSN, FNP-C
• Case Management Society of America
• Diana Swihart, PhD, DMin, MSN, CS, RN-BC
• DMAA-The Care Continuum Alliance
• Edie Brous RN BSN MSN MPH JD
• Governor Howard Dean (VT)
• JNESO District Council 1 IUOE- AFL/CIO
• Laura Gasparis Vonfrolio RN, PhD
• MammaCare Foundation
• National Nurses in Business Association
• NurseTogether.com
• Oregon State Legislature
• Oregonians for Health Security
• Pennsylvania Coalition of Nurse Practitioners
• Philippine Nurses Association of America
• RNs Working Together
• State Delegate Margaret Vanderhye (VA)
• State Representative Terri Austin (IN) Original Sponsor 2009 Resolution
• State Representative Michael Dembrow (OR) and State Senator Laurie Monnes-Anderson-Original Sponsors 2009 Joint Resolution
• United American Nurses AFL-CIO (UAN)
• United Nurses of America (AFSCME)
• US Congressional Candidate Elizabeth Dennigan RN (RI)
• Working Nurse

A complete list of all our endorsers can be found at http://nationalnurse.org/endorsements.shtml.

Presentations:

Our board members traveled to Portland (Oregon), Burlington (Vermont) and Washington DC) to present the Office of the National Nurse Initiative. Please contact us if you are interested in inviting members of the NNNO Board to your classroom or meetings so that others may receive information about the proposal. Please be aware that CEUs have been made available in the past for those attending conferences.

Here a list of presentations that we gave during 2009:

• Concordia University (Portland, Oregon) – March 2009
• Washington County Public Affairs Forum – April 2009
• Oregon Consortium for Nursing Education – May 2009
• Democracy Fest (Burlington, Vermont) – July 2009

Publications:

“The Office of the National Nurse” by Mills and Schneider appeared in Volume 13 of The Journal of Nursing Law. Editor in Chief Suzanne Edgett Collins, RN, MPH, JD, PhD and Assistant Editor Diane Kjervik, JD, MSN, RN, FAAN eloquently wrote the following in their editorial that preceded this manuscript, "Mills and Schneider, as founders of the movement to establish an Office of the National Nurse, address the challenging crises that our national health system faces and promote the establishment of the an Office of the National Nurse. They argue that the Office of the National Nurse is a fundamental, necessary change in the traditional thinking about professional nursing's role in health promotion and disease prevention on a national level."

Additional articles published about the Office of the National Nurse in 2009 include:

• ADVANCE for LPNs – June 2009
• American Federation of Teachers Health Wire May/June 2009
• American Federation of Teachers-Oregon newsletter March 2009, July 2009, October 2009
• American Journal of Nursing January 2009 and April 2009
• American Journal of Nursing Off the Charts September 2009
• American Society of Peri-Anesthesia Nurses Breathline March/April 2009
• Journal of Nursing Law 13 (1) 2009
• Las Vegas Review Journal May 2009
• MedHunters November 2009
• Nevada RNformation May/June 2009
• Nursing 2009-March edition
• Oregonian March 2009
• Vermont Nurse Connection Nov/Dec 2009, Jan 2010
• Working Nurse California and Arizona issues; May 2009

On TV and the Radio:

Broadcast presentations include:

• January 2009 Reach MD
• April 2009 Washington County Public Affairs Forum
• July 2009 Center for Media and Democracy

Quote for the Day

"There is no use trying, said Alice; one can't believe impossible things. I dare say you haven't had much practice, said the Queen. When I was your age, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast."
Lewis Carroll

We wish you the happiest and healthiest of holidays and look forward to 2010!
Alisa, Teri, Terri, Susan

National Nurse Website Recognition

2009-12-14T05:49:00.000-08:00

For the second year in a row, the National Nurse News link was reviewed and given a score of 8.8-GREAT- out of (10). It is currently rated number three (133 blogs are listed) in the Health/Nursing category of Blogged.com

Websites were reviewed using the following criteria: frequency of updates, relevance of content, site design, and writing style. To check this out for yourself visit http://www.blogged.com/directory/health/nursing

Vermont Nurse Connection Publishes Article About ONN

2009-12-07T01:08:00.000-08:00

Thank you to June Benoit, President of the Vermont State Nurses Association for her willingness to publish an article about the Office of the National Nurse initiative in the Vermont Nurse Connection Nov/Dec/Jan 2010 issue. The story appears on page 4.

Here are the first two paragraphs of what was published:

"Americans and especially nurses are all too aware that our healthcare system is in crisis. If nothing is done to curb costs, in less than 7 years, health care in the United States is projected to cost $4.2 trillion or about 20% of the gross domestic product (GDP). (Poisal, 2007). Insurance premiums are skyrocketing, prescription drugs are unaffordable, and chronic preventable diseases including Type 2 diabetes, are on the rise. Trust for America's Health and the RWJF Foundation's June 2009 survey found that Americans rank prevention as the top healthcare reform priority (TFAH, 2009). Fortunately, the nursing profession is well positioned to undertake this enormous task as a large skilled nursing workforce exists across all communities with the expertise, skills, and commitment needed to shift our focus to prevention and begin improving our nation's health. Many are calling for an Office of the National Nurse to provide the necessary leadership for nurses willing to take up this challenge.

It is being recommended the Chief Nurse Officer (CNO) of the USPHS be legislated to become the National Nurse, to avoid duplication of services and minimize costs. The Office of the National Nurse would function along side the Surgeon General and focus on the Surgeon General’s priorities of health promotion, improving health literacy, and decreasing health disparities. Having Congress designate the CNO with the unique title of "National Nurse" will create visible nursing leadership, help educate the public on what nursing really is, and emphasize prevention and health promotion (Mills & Schneider, 2009)."

Mills, T., & Schneider, A. (2009). The office of the national nurse. Journal of nursing law, 13, (1), 13-18.

Poisal, J.A., et al, Health Spending Projections Through 2016: Modest Changes Obscure Part D’s Impact. Health Affairs (21 February 2007): W242-253.

Trust for America's Health. June 2009. New Poll Finds Disease Prevention is Top Priority for Americans in Health Reform. Retrieved August 5, 2009 from http://healthyamericans.org/newsroom/releases/?releaseid=181.

Testifying Before The RWJF/IOM Forum on the Future of Nursing

2009-11-30T02:47:00.000-08:00

Thank-you to Phyllis Gallagher RN, BA, MA, JD, supporter of the National Nurse Initiative, for her willingness to testify before the RWJF/IOM Commission on the Future of Nursing during their Acute Care Forum that took place at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on October 19th. The Initiative on the Future of Nursing is a two-year effort of the Institute of Medicine and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to find solutions to the continuing challenges facing the nursing profession, and to build upon nursing-based solutions to improve quality and transform the way Americans receive healthcare.

Ms. Gallagher reported there were many good ideas shared through the day on how nursing must change. Establishing an Office of the National Nurse would support many of the proposals presented by those who spoke. The main themes expressed were increasing nursing visibility, finding ways to empower the nursing profession, enhancing technology, and having courage when incorporating transformational change.

According to the website,

"The Institute of Medicine (IOM) in collaboration with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) will establish a major initiative on the Future of Nursing. The initial cornerstone of the program would be conduct of a major study whose goal would be to produce a transformational report on the future of nursing.

An ad hoc committee will examine the capacity of the nursing workforce to meet the demands of a reformed health care and public health system. It will develop a set of bold national recommendations, including ones that address the delivery of nursing services in a shortage environment and the capacity of the nursing education system. In its report, the committee will define a clear agenda and blueprint for action including changes in public and institutional policies at the national, state and local levels. Its recommendations would address a range of system changes, including innovative ways to solve the nursing shortage in the U.S."

Ms. Gallagher presented specific recommendations as to how the Office of the National Nurse initiative interfaces with the goal of identifying vital roles for nurses in designing and implementing a more effective and efficient health care system as delineated by the committee:

• Reconceptualizing the role of nurses within the context of the entire workforce, the shortage, societal issues, and current and future technology;
• Expanding nursing faculty, increasing the capacity of nursing schools, and redesigning nursing education to assure that it can produce an adequate number of well prepared nurses able to meet current and future health care demands;
• Examining innovative solutions related to care delivery and health professional education by focusing on nursing and the delivery of nursing services; and
• Attracting and retaining well prepared nurses in multiple care settings, including acute, ambulatory, primary care, long term care, community and public health.

Please email teri@nationalnurse.info if you are interested in receiving an emailed copy of Ms. Gallagher's testimony. You may visit this link to watch the archived webcast of the forum.

U.S. Hunger Rate Highest In Nearly Two Decades

2009-11-24T04:31:00.000-08:00

One year has passed since the National Nursing Network Organization's Board of Directors wished you, your family, neighbors and friends a Happy Thanksgiving. Sadly, too many of our citizens are still without healthcare. We continue to see a rise in health disparities. Unemployment has reached an all time high. According to a USDA study, the U.S. hunger rate is the highest it has been in two decades. One in seven American households struggled to put food on the table in 2008; this number represents 14.6% of U.S. households. In 2007, 11.1% of American households suffered from "food insecurity", defined as not having enough food to maintain an active, healthy lifestyle. Even more dismal is the fact that one in four children in our country lives on the brink of hunger.

The NNNO Board of Directors asks you to consider making a donation to your community's food bank. The need for food is acute across the nation; the demand is rapidly outpacing the supply and many food cupboards are bare. Food pantries are in need of non-perishable food items of every type, including canned goods, cereal, coffee and juice, as well as toiletry items like toothpaste and brushes, bandages and medication.

Our country is still very much involved in fighting two wars. If you are thinking about sending one of our nation's troops a care package for the holidays, please visit Any Soldier's website for lots of helpful information, including where to send your package, how to send it, and what to put in it.

On a personal note, we remain very grateful and truly overwhelmed by your continued emails and offers of support as we work together to establish an Office of the National Nurse for prevention. Please have a happy, healthy, and safe Thanksgiving.

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Discourages Breast Self-Examination In Latest Report; Advises Mammograms Begin at 50

2009-11-20T05:44:00.000-08:00

Last week, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) released a report calling for mammograms to begin at age 50. This is a significant change from prior recommendations that mammograms begin at age 40 and the reaction to this news has been confusion, controversy, and outrage. The USPSTF also surprisingly recommends against teaching breast self-examination (BSE).

Many leading experts are questioning whether significant evidence to support BSE was omitted or not taken into account by the USPSTF. One such organization is MammaCare; the results of whose mission to find the most effective procedure for manual detection of small breast lesions have been widely published. Here is a link to Mammacare’s release entitled "USPSTF omits critical evidence on breast-self-examination (BSE)". Research studies cited here do suggest that self-examination accounted for a substantial proportion of breast cancers detected and that BSE is associated with survival.

Mammacare concludes that “the cumulative and current biomedical data suggest strongly that women should not abandon their practice of self-exams nor delay learning how to perform proficient breast self-examinations. Evidence confirms that a large proportion of breast cancers are palpable and self-detected, that some breast cancers are mammographically invisible particularly in younger women and women with dense breast tissue, that the components of effective breast self-examination are now known and validated, that the skill can be learned and that women who learn and practice proficient breast examination possess an advantage in protecting their health and their lives.”

We urge you to share this evidence with women and clinicians. You are also welcome to forward the link, http://www.mammacare.com/news.php?news_id=7 to all interested parties.

Office of the National Nurse Offers A Solution To Have All Nurses Work Together

2009-11-16T01:53:00.000-08:00

Joyce Routson advocates that nurses to come together internally and in public in her recent article, “Dichotomy Exists Between Nurses' Image of Trustworthiness and Negative Stereotypes”. Routson discusses the consistently high rating nurses receive for being a trustworthy and ethical profession in the Gallup polls (nursing has been on top now for seven straight years!) yet negative and sexist images about nurses persist.

Eleanor Sullivan, PhD, RN, FAAN, a former nurse and author is quoted, “Nurses aren’t portrayed as experienced, decision-making professionals. The public does not know what nurses do.” Kathleen Bartholomew, RC, RN, MN was present when President Obama spoke on health care reform and reveals the President was surrounded by physicians instead of nurses.

Bernice Buresh, who co-authored From Silence to Voice says it is time to educate the public about what nurses do. Buresh says, “We have to join with each other and have our own self-esteem.” Buresh agrees nurses need to have a stronger political voice.

Teri Mills MS, CNE, RN, co-founder of the Office of the National Nurse initiative states, “Nurses need to deliver the message that we help people stay well. There needs to be a recognized nurse to the public who understands our needs. A National Nurse could be a unifying force for all nurses and elevate the profession. This title provides the authority, the impetus, the recognition needed to capture the public’s attention, encourage prevention, and raise awareness of health promotion efforts.”

To read this story and add your own viewpoint, visit http://www.medhunters.com/articles/nursesImage.html

RN Running for Congress Endorses Office of the National Nurse

2009-11-09T03:51:00.000-08:00

Pictured: Elizabeth "Betsy" Dennigan RN, Candidate for Congress, Rhode Island 2nd Congressional District

The Board of Directors of the National Nursing Network Organization is pleased to announce and thank U.S. Congressional Candidate Betsy Dennigan for her support for the initiative to create an Office of the National Nurse. Elizabeth ‘Betsy’ Dennigan is a thirteen-year veteran of the Rhode Island House of Representatives and held a seat on the powerful Finance Committee. Betsy works as an emergency nurse and has a degree in Health Care Administration. Below is her statement of support:

Endorsement for the Office of the National Nurse

It is difficult to find more diverse professionals than in nursing. We are nurse executives in hospitals, government, colleges, non profits and for corporate giants. We are staff nurses in the ED, PEDI, ICU, L&D and NICU. We work in cities and travel to client homes on rural mountain roads. We have taken different paths to our profession and are proud to be a professional nurse.

Due to the diversity of the profession, it is imperative to have a coordinated voice and leader for nursing on the national level. This can be accomplished by an Office of the National Nurse.

During this season's Swine influenza outbreak, I have seen various medical directors and the Surgeon General speak, but the important teammate from nursing has been missing.

Health and safety through prevention will be the hallmark of the Office of the National Nurse. This will bring cost savings, better health outcomes and respect for the leadership the Office will provide to Americans.

I endorse the Office of the National Nurse. I will stand with Congressional leaders of legislation to create an Office of the National Nurse, and will speak out and negotiate successful passage of this bill. You can count on me to work hard for this issue.

Please help me get to Congress by donating in any amount. You can donate online (see below) or to Dennigan For Congress, P.O. Box 8053, Cranston, RI 02920. I do not like to ask, but the reality is that if we want to send a nurse to Congress to speak on all issues affecting nurses (as I have done in the state legislature for 13 years), we need money. The donations are used primarily for TV ads and for staff. Help send a nurse to Congress!

Honorable Betsy Dennigan RN
Candidate for Congress
Rhode Island 2nd Congressional District
betsy@betsydenniganforcongress.com
http://www.betsydenniganforcongress.com