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Maine Nurses Reestablish Ties with National Organization
ANA Welcomes Maine Nurses Back to the Fold

Washington, DC -- Registered nurses (RNs) in Maine have established a new association of RNs committed to working with the American Nurses Association (ANA). ANA-Maine was overwhelmingly accepted as ANAs newest constituent member on June 18.

As an alternative to the Maine State Nurses Association (MSNA), which disaffiliated from ANA in April 2001, ANA-Maine offers RNs the opportunity to reconnect to the national organization. "Many MSNA members were disturbed over the disaffiliation from ANA," said ANA-Maine President Joe Niemczura, MS, RN. "Without the national connection, our ability to have a real impact on issues affecting the profession locally and nationally was threatened.
Niemczura further noted that Maine nurses were eager to reconnect their national ties. "Shortly after the disaffiliation vote, we began organizing, eager to establish a new ANA state member. The issues facing the nursing profession are too critical to our practice and our patients for us to stand alone. We wanted access to the support, resources and vast knowledge ANA has to offer."

Equally excited about the establishment of ANA-Maine is ANA President Mary Foley, MS, RN. "With the numerous workplace issues facing nurses today, it will take a united effort to make changes in the health care industry," said Foley. "The ANA and its constituent members are ready and able to take on the health care industry and put an end to short staffing, mandatory overtime and working conditions that harm nurses health and safety and endanger
patient care." Foley further noted that equally challenging will be assuring adequate numbers of nurses are prepared for future health care challenges. "Were glad that ANA-Maine will be joining us as we work toward change," exclaimed Foley.

For additional & contact information or to become a member of ANA-Maine, visit http://www.ana.org/pressrel/2001/pr0620.htm