GNA members recognized by board of directors

Georgia Nursing, May-Jul 2003

At the January 31 Winter meeting of GNA's Board of Directors, several members were recognized for their contribution to nursing and the Association.

Fran Beall was recognized for her service as a role model, a mentor, and an activist for nursing and healthcare. Kathy Shaw shared this information about Fran with the Board: "Fran continues to amaze me with her knowledge, expertise, and ability to articulate so eloquently the issues within nursing and healthcare. She is the person I contact if I need "the scoop" on important issues because I know she will give me both sides of the story. Not only does she continue to practice nursing full-time, but she is web "diva" to a nursing website, RN Central. She also hosts a listserv that consists of many notable nurses across the country. This listserv is a source of abundant information and also a means to communicate with other nurses. Fran sends our weekly newsletters with scores of worthwhile websites, political commentary and much more. I believe when Fran retires from nursing she should go into politics or be a journalist or writer."

Cindy Epps-Reaid was for serving as GNA's liaison to the Georgia Department of Human Resources, Office of Regulatory Services for revision of the Rules and Regulations for Hospitals. This was a positive opportunity for professional nursing involvement with the revision of the Rules and Regulations for Hospitals code Chapter 290-9-7.

Eula Rouland was recognized for her service as a workplace advocate for nurses of the VAMC Atlanta. She has represented the VAMC Atlanta Unit as a member of the Nurse Standard Professional Board. She was also instrumental in handling workplace issues for staff in the absence of the unit chairperson and vice chairperson, thus allowing for the unit's leadership to attend training and other activities such as the State Annual Meeting. Ms. Rouland has impacted the profession of nursing by ensuring professional representation of staff nurses. Her efforts help to retain nurses at the VAMC as well as helping to retain and recruit members for the Georgia Nurses Association.