Promoting the Image of the Nursing Profession

[veezee]

We are all aware of the proposed nursing shortage that will be affecting all of us. I have been reading many articles and editorials concerning this. I beleive that one of the key points is a positive portrayal of the nursing profession - including portrayals from the media, television programs, communities, and the like. I am interested in hearing your comments of what your communities or states may be doing to help promote our shrinking profession. I would appreciate any input or thoughts that anyone may have regarding this.

Thank you!

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

I have been active in The Delaware County Nurses Association(District 23) to organize a March and Rally in Philadelphia on May 5th, 2001 along with Phialdelphia District 1 PSNA to educate other nurses, consumers,and the publice regarding the current nursing shortage,concerns of bedside nurses re patient safety and mandatory overtime, the need to focus on retention of current staff via adequate working conditions and recruitment into the profession.

Millennium Nurses March

Sponsored by:

Delaware County Nurses Assoc. & Philadelphia District 1 PSNA

Join Us Saturday

May 5th, 2001 10AM

in Philadelphia, PA

City Hall to the Liberty Bell

As Nurses, healthcare workers and citizens

from across Pennsylvania rally:

A. To facilitate public awareness of the value of direct nursing care and our concerns regarding healthcare delivery today.

B. To encourage and support the education and recruitmentof new nurses into the profession: 50% of current RN’s will retire in the next 10 to 15 year = 1.3 million nurses.

C. To increase visibility and accurate representation of nursing in the media.

Internet address: www.psna.org/Districts/dist23.htm

E-mail: [email protected]

Nurses will march approx 1 ½ miles from Philadelpia City Hall and assemble at the Independence National Visitors Center park near the Liberty Bell area in the AM. We will have speakers discussing the Nursing Crisis and our Solutions, followed by workshops in afternoon at local colleges for more concrete offerings (if interest is shown) and tours of the Nursing Museums at PA Hospital (the Nation's first hospital) and Univ. of Pennsylvania (working on Saturday opening.)

Speakers invited include national leaders, State Senators and Representatives, a union representative and staff nurses. After our speakers list confirmed, will post .

This is OUR way of getting the message out about the concerns so many have eloquently posted on this BB. Anyone willing to help, please contact me.

I hope as many persons in the tristate area will join me to get our concerns out. Thanks, and hope to meet you in Philly!

Sincerely,

Karen O' RN, BSN

Treasurer

Delaware County Nurses Assoc./District 23 PSNA