INSTITUTE FOR NURSING, THE

New Jersey Nurse, May/Jun 2004 by Carney, Linda Parry

The Institute for Nursing Board of Trustees met twice this fiscal year. The third meeting will be at the annual nursing convention in April. The minutes and financial statements of each of these meetings are on file at the Institute's office. Subcommittees of the Board in conjunction with staff have also met to do the work of fundraising and awarding scholarships and research grants.

This year the Institute will be awarding over $24,000 in scholarships, in amounts ranging from $250-$1000, to 15 different recipients. Awards are given to nurses and student nurses in all tracts of nursing education. Hundreds of nurses attended education programs sponsored by the Institute and thousands more will receive their contact hours through the Institute's Provider Unit.

Scholarly research is an essential component of the Institute's mission. A grant for $1000 will be given to a New Jersey nurse conducting research and the NJ Nurse now runs a regular column in the Institute's Section called Research Corner. This article features research done by New Jersey nurses.

The Recovery and Monitoring Program (RAMP) is up and running. This program is a comprehensive, structured plan for recovery and monitoring that promotes public protection, safe practice and health. The primary focus of this program is nurses with issues of impaired practice but other health care licensees can benefit as well.

We have been very successful in our fundraising efforts. In addition, Nursing Spectrum and the Institute have partnered to bring the program CE Direct to reality. This joint on-line continuing education and donation program benefits both the Institute and nurses. For a $40 donation to the Institute for Nursing, nurses will receive one year of unlimited on-line continuing education through Nursing Spectrum.

The second annual EPIC awards were given last May. The event was a tremendous financial success and it also lifted our spirits. It is refreshing to hear of the profound difference people are making in the lives of the people in our communities. Like nurses, these Extraordinary People Impacting Community are in tune with the needs of their communities and act to make improvements. This year's EPIC Awards will again be held in May. Details will be in the NJ Nurse.

Our fourth Diva and Don Gala was a smashing success! This year's slate of honorees was impressive and they helped us raise almost $30,000 for Institute programs. Work is now beginning on next year's gala.

The annual nursing convention will again be the sight of the Silent Auction and the research luncheon. We look forward to raising several thousand dollars at these events again this year.

All together, our fundraisers should result in earnings of $45,000 to benefit the Institute's programs. This is very impressive given the difficult economic conditions of the past few years. Individuals around the state continue to be incredibly generous in their contributions. The Institute has received additional donations through employer matching, estate settlements and memorial gifts. The Institute is also pursuing grants for a variety of programs and initiatives.

My sincere thanks to all of the volunteers who work on Institute sponsored activities as well as the staff at the Institute for Nursing and NJSNA. It is their hard work and dedication to the mission of the Institute that makes our mission a reality.

Respectfully submitted,

Linda Parry Carney

President, Institute for Nursing