ANA Commends Reps. Capps,Whitfield For Forming Congressional Nursing Caucus

1. 03/25/03
   
   The American Nurses Association (ANA) has hailed the
   formation of a Congressional Nursing Caucus in the U.S.
   House of Representatives, calling it "a decisive step
   forward for Congress and a bold step in the right direction
   for nurses and their patients."
   
   Press release:
   http://www.nursingworld.org/pressrel/2003/pr0319.htm
   
   View photos:
   http://www.nursingworld.org/pressrel/2003/caucus.htm

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2. 

   About NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN Moderator

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   7 Comments

   Topic Closed
3. 
   Mar 26, '03

   This is a really good thing isn't it.
4. 
   Mar 26, '03

   Our nursing muscle is just begining to be flexed.
5. 
   Mar 26, '03

   Let's hope that there are bedside nurses, ICU nurses, etc. -- those that are actively involved in the physical care that are able to provide input. Scholarly types, fine -- but we also need experienced nurses who can tell it like it is. We're putting out "fires" constantly -- nurses are leaving the fields in droves for better working conditions and benefits. Getting the government involved? Not sure even THAT will fix it.
6. 
   Mar 27, '03

   Susanmary makes a good point. Suprised I didn't think to say it. Input from nurses at bedside, Diploma, ADN, BSN and LPN all important. Not only important but essential. Don't want to listen to daily pontificating from people who have no connection to real world. All of us have had enough of that.
7. 
   Mar 27, '03

   Why sit back and wait and hope that there are other bedside nurses getting involved in this? If youre interested, just do it.
   
   The invitation to participate in the Congressional nursing caucus is open to ALL nurses. All nurses can impact Congress in this caucus by educating their elected representatives on their issues. Its up to those nurses who are interested in having their voice heard to take the initative. The forum is there. Once again, the next move is in the hands of staff nurses. They can choose to be involved or they can sit back & complain that bedside nurses arent there. Its up to them.
   
   <In early January, Reps. Capps and Whitfield sent a "Dear Colleague" to members of the House of Representatives inviting them to join the new caucus. In addition, Blakeney has urged ANA members to contact their elected representatives and encourage them to join the caucus. To date, the caucus has 56 members....>

   Last edit by -jt on Mar 27, '03
8. 
   Mar 27, '03

   Thanks for the heads up -jt. I was wondering if contacting my representative would have an impact on this.
9. 
   Mar 28, '03

   Karen: Is there a list available of those legislators who have already signed on to this caucus? Couldn't find one on ANA website or on search.
   Patty

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