"...into the new century"

Georgia Nursing, Aug-Oct 2000

Who could have believed, back when we were all so worried about the "millennium bug," that this first year of the new century would go by so quickly? And yet, here we are, talking about our Annual Convention already-and, as usual, we have a lot to talk about! Last year's new two day format was a success, judging from evaluations received, so we've carried the same general plans into this year-it will be a busy time for all. For Delegates, you will have some major business decisions to make around finances and bylaws. This year, you will deal with not only a new budget, but basically a new set of bylaws as well, so please come prepared. Delegates will receive a set of the new bylaws in their pre-convention packets. Non-delegates may read the draft of the new bylaws on our website, , and convey your suggestions or questions to your delegates before the convention.

Day One, Wednesday, October 15, is dedicated to meetings of the Executive Committees of GNA and GNF, the Advisory Council, the annual GNF meeting, and the GNA Executive Board. It will be a long, busy day for our officers as they conduct business and complete preparations for the reference hearings and the House of Delegates (HOD). At the end of the day, District 11 is hosting a Welcome Reception for our new CEO, Debbie Hackman, at the Lyndon House. All early arrivers are cordially invited to attend this kick-off event.

Day Two, Thursday, October 19, continues the tradition of packing a lot of events into one day. The registration desk will open at 7:00 a.m., and a continental breakfast will be served. The orientation meeting for first time conventioneers will begin at 7:30 a.m., and will be led by Betty Daniels. In past years Betty's presentation and explanation of how things work has been highly effective in helping delegates know how to best serve their Districts during the important work ahead. We urge you to take advantage of this opportunity. The opening ceremony, with an address from our President Debbie Hatmaker, will begin at 8:30, and will be followed by a morning spent in Reference Hearings. The Reference Hearings will give you an insight into issues that will be decided in the HOD on Friday, as well as an opportunity to hear varied opinions and viewpoints on these issues. These discussions are a critical part of your decision making process, and all delegates need to attend. During the morning break, our Exhibit Hall will open for the first time. Please be sure to tour the exhibits, and take the time to speak with the exhibitors about their organization. Remember that having these vendors, year after year, is a key factor in helping us to keep registration costs reasonable. Also during the morning, you will have the first opportunity to "shop" at the GNA booth, featuring GNA pins, RN pins, GNA denim shirts, and Florence Nightingale dolls from the Historical Society, and at the GNF Silent Auction.

Wednesday's luncheon will feature the first continuing education activity of the Convention. Demetrius Mazacoufa and a "Mystery Guest" will enlighten us on important legislative issues.

After lunch, we have an exciting educational opportunity with our Keynote address, "Celebrating Nursing's Past and Future," presented by Philip A. Kalisch, Ph.D, RN. Dr. Kalisch, a Professor of Nursing at the University of Michigan and President of Managed Healthcare Strategies, will speak with us about the forces and leaders who have impacted nursing since its inception, and help us to look into the opportunities of today and tomorrow with a greater pride and professionalism in nursing. A renowned teacher, speaker, consultant, and author, Dr. Kalisch will give us the perspective and the focus we need as we consider the many changes in healthcare and our organization in the future.

Following the Keynote, you have time to return to the Exhibit Hall for a break, more time with the exhibitors, and a review of the research posters. Then you have a hard choice to make: we offer two concurrent CE sessions, on two important topics. Session One, presented by the Nicotine Addiction/Cessation Task Force, is entitled "Nicotine Addiction-An Issue for Everyone." This Task Force also presented a CE session at the 1999 Convention, and received strong evaluations. This year's presentation, with updated materials and issues, will be valuable to all. For Session Two, we are fortunate to have Dr. Dee Baldwin, Director of the Office of Women's Health, to speak with us on the vital issues of health care for women in the nation and specifically in our state at this time. Dr. Baldwin is both an acknowledged expert and advocate in women's issues, and has used her expertise to bring a new awareness of these issues to the State Government. At the close of these sessions, you may choose to attend a GNA Nurse Advocate Program Twelve Step Program. If you have never had an opportunity to participate with this group of dedicated Advocates, and fully understand their mission and purpose, this will be a valuable learning experience for you.