Kansas State Nurses Association annual reports 2003

Kansas Nurse, Sep 2003 by Johnson, Terri, Barrett, Patricia Kohls, Putnam, Julie, Ternus, Jean, Et al

Terri Johnson submitted a fourth basket. Total income from the four baskets slightly exceeded the total cost. The funds raised were designated for the Kansas Nurses Foundation.

Following the annual meeting in 2002 the committee members reviewed and selected three newsletters to submit to the Editorial Board of KSNA to consider for the newsletter award. It was not selected. On April 30 and May 1, two members of the committee and another District member evaluated the newsletters published during the past year and selected the September, March and May issues for submission. To avoid conflict of interest, R. Thiry as newsletter editor did not participate in the selection.

Plans for National Nurses Week arc underway. A public service announcement bas been submitted to EBC for a radio spot to be announced during the week. An advertisement for the District was purchased from The Salina Journal to appear on May 6th. Janice Spikes has arranged with Eloise Lynch to have nursing highlighted during the "Oh Say" program on Wednesday evening, May 14th. Terri Johnson, Janice Spikes, Roberta Thiry and a student nurse will be participating.

Roberta Thiry, President

District 6

A 3 hour community awareness workshop, "Nursing Under Attack: A Call to Action" was sponsored on November 16, 2002, at the Dole VA Center. Information communicated the funding cuts to our most vulnerable clients the handicapped; the disabled; Medicare: and Medicaid. A minimum of nine local and state groups attended. The need is for realignment, not just better care, but continuing care so these clients can function better within their homes not a "care institution."

District 6 members discussed the need for ANA/KSNA membership rosters to have accurate member information including addresses, phone numbers, and paid membership listed correctly so the information can be used for mailings, nominations, and practice designation. Social security numbers being published were raised as a concern to communicate to KSNA/ANA. Communication is a vital need in all facets of nursing with the community, elected and appointed officials, and the media. The Wichita Eagle published our President-elect's letter to the editor column for National Nurses' Week. The communication efforts continue with exhibits at the Kansas School Nurse annual meeting in July. Public awareness of professional nurses' presence and availability as individuals or members of other community groups is imperative. District 6 is participating at the Wellness Clinic Zoo program in July. District 6 plans to have an exhibit at the Senior Expo (museum tour by city trolley) on September 23 to distribute health promotion information.

Lois Ann Newman, President

District 8

The District 8 KSNA group met quarterly, ending our year with a successful poster contest between the two junior college nursing programs in our area, Seward County Community College, Liberal, Kansas, and Garden City Community College, Garden City, Kansas. District 8 began work in the fall on a Poster contest for the Senior Nursing students at Garden City Community College and Seward County Community College. Teams of students were asked to make posters promoting nursing, and try to use the National Nurses' Week theme. District 8 of KSNA consists of the 13 most southwestern counties of Kansas. The larger population centers of Garden City and Liberal have the most nurses.