"Workplace advocacy" becomes a reality at ANA

Georgia Nursing, Aug-Oct 2000 by Hatmaker, Debbie

With a special session of the American Nurses Association House of Delegates, a bylaws amendment to create a "Commission on Workplace Advocacy" was passed in June 2000 by an overwhelming 94% of the voting delegates. This represents a commitment to formalize programs for nurses to address workplace issues. Resources will be allocated for the support of nurses who encounter problems in the work setting. At a pre-- convention meeting of the Workplace Advocacy Coalition, 39 states were represented as having a major interest in the development of this program.

Many calls that come into the Georgia Nurses Association are focused on workplace issues-safe staffing, employer-employee relations, and use of unskilled workers, to name a few. The formalization of workplace advocacy programs will serve to educate nurses about their workplace rights and ultimately to provide the nurse, employer, and patient a safer work setting.

A number of state nurses associations are far ahead on this issue. At the GINA fall convention in October 19-20, 2000 we expect to create a similar program. This structure will allow GNA to develop strategies for nurses to utilize should workplace issues arise. Efforts at collaboration with other nursing specialty groups and employers will be undertaken, since a workplace advocacy program can only be successful when all parties are invested in the process.

If you have expertise/interest in this program, please contact GNA and let us know of your willingness to get involved. Collectively we can join to make a difference in our profession and the care we Live to our clients.