Resolutions Passed at House of Delegates - September 26, 2003

Alabama Nurse,  Dec 2003-Feb 2004  

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Whereas, A significant number of nurses want to volunteer in providing disaster/relief services in local, state, and national disasters, and

Whereas, Emergencies and disasters are unpredictable and disaster responsiveness requires coordination of services and an available and reliable nurse network and,

Whereas, No system currently exists to recruit, register, or coordinate volunteer efforts of nurses in Alabama, and

Whereas, Appropriate education is necessary for nurses to provide disaster care to the community; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Alabama State Nurses Association (ASNA) will develop a procedure for the participation of registered nurses in the planning and implementation of disaster preparedness at the local, state and national level; and be it further

Resolved, That ASNA will provide education and training related to disaster preparedness and response to nurses and other health care providers; and be it further

Resolved, That ASNA will collaborate with nursing the Alabama Department of Public Health to facilitate Alabama nurses' response to disaster events.

The Nursing Shortage

Date: September 26, 2003

Whereas, There is a looming disparity in the nursing workforce between the demand and supply of RNs with a current shortage of over 110,000 nation wide; and

Whereas, The shortage of RNs in Alabama is serious at present but will become critical over the next decade if present conditions continue; and

Whereas, Many studies have identified the factors that contribute to this shortage; and

Whereas, The shortage issues are multifaceted, including the aging work force, the aging population, changing roles of nurses, changing values of nurses, technology, unavailability of faculty, and cultural diversity; therefore be it

Resolved, That Alabama State Nurses Association (ASNA) develop strategies to educate the public at large on the value and purpose of RNs in the health care settings; and be it further

Resolved, That ASNA collaborate with other key health care stakeholders to promote partnerships to address issued related to the impending nurse shortage; and be it further

Resolved, That ASNA explore new ways to develop organizational and leadership skills within the RN workforce; and be it further

Resolved, That ASNA continue to publish articles in the Alabama Nurse on "The Value of A Nurse;" and be it further

Resolved, That ASNA will support the Center for Nursing at the Alabama Board of Nursing.

EldercarePlanning

Date: September 26, 2003

Whereas, Approximately 22 million American families are involved in providing care to their elderly relatives; and

Whereas, Most caregivers are also employed full time; and

Whereas, Today's senior citizens have a longer life expectancy and currently represent almost 20% of the U.S. population; and

Whereas, These seniors will require more health care services over their longer life span; and

Whereas, There is a plethora of health care services available if the caregiver knows where to find assistance; and

Whereas, There is a growing demand for eldercare services; and