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AORN Journal,  Feb, 2005  by Burke Beu

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Leavitt said that nurses have tremendous credibility and that public opinion polls consistently rank nursing among the most trusted professions. She highlighted nurses' presence in society by adding, "Everyone knows a nurse."

Leavitt stressed the value of nurses taking collective action by becoming involved in student groups, neighborhood associations, community awareness projects, and political party support activities. She also emphasized the importance of efforts by nurses to collaborate and network with their peers, particularly through membership in state nursing associations and specialty nursing associations such as AORN. Working together requires planning, focus, occasional compromise, and commitment to building long-term relationships. Former US President Harry S. Truman made a witty observation about collaboration. "It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit." (3)

Finally, cash is an obvious tool of influence--Leavitt referred to it as the mother's milk of politics. For more information regarding the NIWI program, contact AORN's Government Affairs Department by telephone at (800) 755-2676 x 233.

NOTES

(1.) "2005 Nurse In Washington Internship (NIWI)," Nursing Organizations Alliance, http:// www.nursing-alliance.org/niwi.htm (accessed 20 Dec 2004).

(2.) J K Leavitt, "Linking practice, policy, and politics: Using nursing's power to improve health," speech presented at t he 2004 Nurse In Washington Internship, Washington, DC, 29 Feb 2004.

(3.) Quote DB, http://www.quotedb .com/quotes/2316 (accessed 20 Dec 2004).

BURKE BEU

FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE ANALYST

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT

COPYRIGHT 2005 Association of Operating Room Nurses, Inc.
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