Attendance at Nurses Legislative Day reaches record numbers

Arizona Nurse,  Mar 2003  by Thompson, Sandra

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Over 250 nurses and nursing students attend this informative workshop.

The theme of Nurses Legislative Day was "Nursing Political Advocacy: A Life Saving Skill". Attendees browsed through various exhibits for educational and employment opportunities from local sponsors and enjoyed breakfast. After welcomes from Mary Griffith, RN, MN, AzNA Director of Legislation and Kathy Player, RN, EdD, AzNA President, presentations began. Theresa Frimel, RN, MSN, AzNA Director of Political Activities, gave details on "Arizona's Current Political Climate: Who's In, Who's Out, and How Did Nursing Fare?" She reported that the new Arizona legislature is comprised of a majority of freshman, and this, combined with the current state budget crisis, reinforces the need for AzNA to be proactive with the new legislature. Theresa reported that the AzNA PAC achieved an 88%lo election success rate of endorsed candidates in the last race.

Rory Hays, JD, AzNA Lobbyist, presented an overview of current Arizona house and senate bills affecting nurses. Of particular interest were House Bill 2202 and Senate Bill 1178, sponsored by AzNA, which address the healthcare work environment. Rory related the current challenge facing Arizona today related to the state budget deficit. She recommended that nurses realize that there will be cuts in bills and programs, prioritize for importance, and maintain patience and persistence when dealing with healthcare lobbying. The Arizona Legislative Information System (ALIS) was given as a resource to study and track bills and to locate committee members at www. azleg.state.az.us.

Mary Griffith, RN, MN, and Pam Randolph, RN, MS, Arizona State Board of Nursing Education Consultant gave a collaborative presentation on "Ethics in Action: Politics, Regulation and Public Safety". The Code of Ethics for Nurses was reviewed and applied to both political and regulatory practices. This presentation characterized the unique alliance between our state's nursing board and professional nursing organization.

A review of "Nursing Practice and Regulation" was given by Valerie Smith, RN, MS, Associate Director for Nursing Practice at the Arizona State Board of Nursing. She presented several examples of actual cases brought before the Board of Nursing for investigation. Val emphasized that the Board functions to protect the public and is directly involved with promotion of safe nursing practice. A lunch buffet was followed by a panel presentation on the Governor's Task Force on the Nursing Shortage. Anne McNamera, RN, PhD, discussed issues related to "Awareness and Attraction" of nurses.

Joey Ridenour, RN, MN, Executive Director of the Arizona State Board of Nursing presented her committee's findings regarding "Nursing Education". Ray Kronenbitter, RN, BSN, a staff nurses who described himself as a "professional nursing activist", related his committee's work on "The Work Environment" and issues of importance to clinical nurses.

Kathy Malloch, RN, PhD, spoke about "Regulatory Issues" such as proposals for medication technicians, documentation streamlining, and a statewide benefits plan for nurses. Marla Weston, RN, MS, AzNA Executive Director, spoke of uncertainties facing the task force related to lack of budget funds and the change in gubernatorial leadership.

The afternoon continued with speaker Denise Link, RN, DNSc, who presented "Nurse Advocacy at the Local Level: An Arizona Success Story". Her account of changing a school board policy affecting nurse practitioners was an inspiring example of how we can effect change through proper resources and planning. Denise asserted that political action is a nursing duty and that nurses should advocate for the patient as well as the profession and strive to shape public policy.

Sue Adams, RN, MS, continued this petition to become more involved through her lively presentation, "Using Your Power: How to be an Effective Grass Roots Lobbyist". She gave practical tips on how to become involved and effectively convey a message to legislators. Sue affirmed that we can collectively make a difference in the political climate through professional organizations, special interest groups, and personal communication with legislators in the hope that we can "teach the elephant to dance".

Keynote speaker the Honorable Tricia Hunter, RN, MN, former elected representative to the California legislature and current Executive Director and lobbyist for ANA-California presented "Nursing Advocacy in the Political Process: California's Experience with Staffing Ratios". Tricia related her experiences, her efforts and the successful results of ANA/California's efforts to improve the workplace environment in terms of staffing ratios related to patient acuities. She gave suggestions on how to become politically involved and how to "court your legislator".

Her inspiring presentation was the culminating case study of all the speakers of the day in their message for nurses to become political advocates.

It is clear that Arizona constituents in general, and nurses in particular, face special challenges related to the current political situation. The experience of Nurses Legislative Day 2003 was very motivating, yet sobering, in light of these challenges. As nurses, we have a duty to our patients and our profession to continually strive to improve the healthcare we provide. To accomplish this, we must be committed and involved at every level of the system If we unite and collectively speak, our voice can be incredibly powerful. Nurses CAN make a difference, even in the political arena, but it will take time and patience, and, in the words of Rory Hays, we must remember to "breathe and climb".