Meet the Candidates 2004

Alabama Nurse,  Jun-Aug 2005  

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Views of the Issues: Workplace advocacy issues, the worsening nursing shortage and environmental heath issues/risks are among the pressing issues facing the nursing profession. As nursing leaders, the opportunities abound for us to effect change in public policy, to enhance professional nursing standards and to advance the profession and the future direction of nursing and healthcare. We must be on the cutting edge when advocating for these issues which will shape the future of our profession for our next generation and the clients we serve. As nursing and healthcare leaders we must be proactive in dealing with these issues now, rather than later being faced with "too little, too late." We must provide safe working environments for our nurses and patients. This includes adequate staffing, safe workplaces, appropriate technology to provide safe patient care, etc. With rising healthcare costs and healthcare complexity we must be prepared to assume the role of patient advocate. We must believe in, demonstrate the worth of and effectively support the nursing profession so society will recognize its value. All-in all, nurses have always been patient advocates and strong leaders. We will be called upon to enhance and diversify.

Jill Stokley, MSN, RNC, CS, CADP

District 2

Present Position: CNS

ASNA Activities: County Level: 1st Vice President of UAN #3; State Level: Nominating Committee, Awards Committee and CE Committee.

Statement of Qualifications: I have been active in ASNA since the late 1980's and have served as chairperson for Task Force on Peer Assistance, Nominating Committee and Awards Committee. I have been District 2 President and have served as an officer in Unit #3 Bargaining unit since the mid 1990's. I have been a Delegate for UAN House of Delegates and ANA House of Delegates. I have also served on both state and UAN strategic planning retreats.

Views of the Issues: As baby boomer nurses retire from the workforce we are going to be in a critical nursing shortage. Improving nursing image, empowering nurses and encouraging involvement with the State Nursing Association are priorities in encouraging more young people to enter nursing. Involvement in ASNA, provides a political voice for ,all nurses. This voice is necessary to mandate laws both state and national to provide funding for nursing education, mandatory nurse/patient ratios and improve the working environment for nurses.

Helen Wilson, MSN, RN

District 5

Present Position:

ASNA Activities: County Level: President, Treasurer, V.P., Secretary; District Level: President, Vice President; State Level: Secretary

Statement of Qualifications: 45 years of nursing experience in a variety of settings. Member of ANA for 45 years. ANA Delegate from Alabama for past two years. Views of the Issues: Nursing is changing rapidly and I believe nurses should be driving the changes that effect them. I believe we need to have a safer, cleaner health environment for nurses and patients. As a delegate to ANA the opportunity to promote nursing issues that can make a difference here in Alabama.