Resolutions

Alabama Nurse,  Jun-Aug 2006  

• E-mail
• Print
• Link

Proposed Resolution #1

Safe Patient Handling and Movement

Whereas, Over one-half of all nurses complain of back pain and an estimated 12 % of nurses leave the profession because of back or other musculoskeletal injuries; and

Whereas, The majority of musculoskeletal injuries that occur in Health Care settings are directly related to improper techniques or equipment used when lifting, transferring, or repositioning patients; and

Whereas, There are a multitude of scientifically proven techniques to reduce or eliminate musculoskeletal injuries and promotes safe patient handling; and

Whereas, When patients are improperly moved they can sustain injuries such a skin tears, pain, bruising, or being dropped; and

Whereas, In 2003 the American Nurses Association launched the "Handle With Care" Campaign to promote safe patient handling/movement and the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders in health care personnel; and

Whereas, Components of a safe patient handling and movement program include (but are not limited to) a safe lifting policy, weight appropriate mechanical devices, employee training, adequate assessments, protocols, and administrative support; therefore be it

Resolved, That ASNA establish a Task Force which includes representation from Alabama Association of Nurse Leaders, Alabama Hospital Association, Alabama Nursing Home Association, and any other interested party to explore, develop, and implement cost effective, realistic safe handling and movement protocols; therefore be it further

Resolved, That these protocols be distributed to health care providers throughout in the state and be published in the Alabama Nurse by December 2007.

Submitted by the ASNA Environmental Task Force

Purposed Resolution #2

Resolution to Keep Recess In Schools

Whereas, Education budget cuts, increases focus on academic standards, emphasis on academic achievement (test scores), potential Iiability on the playgrounds and the prevention of bullying have been sited as reasons to cut recess from the school day and

Whereas, Researchers have evidence that shows that recess, defined as a break period, typically outdoors for children, can be just as vital as classroom time in for a child's social, emotional, and educational development, and

Whereas, Leaders and policymakers in children's health and education, including the CDC, the National Association for Sport and Physical Education, and the National PTA, report that recess and free time spent with peers is an important part of the school day and is crucial to a child's health, and

Whereas, The National Education Association reports that there is "mounting evidence that children need a break during the school day to get outside for fresh air, exercise, and interaction with other children to provide balance between school work and play," and

Whereas, Research conducted by CDC showed that children need a variety of movement experiences to develop a healthy mind and body that is capable of learning and that those children who are physically active demonstrated improved test scores, increased attention span, less disruptive behavior, and a 75% improvement in concentration, and

Whereas, With the soaring childhood obesity rate, Alabama is one of the top 3 states for cases of childhood overweight and obesity, and the ever increasing interest in sedentary activities there is a serious threat to children's health, and

Whereas, A recent survey showed that less then half of U.S. Children in grades K-6 have and kind of physical education in school and over 40 % of all U.S. Elementary Schools have already eliminated recesses from school with another 40% planning to do so in the next school year; therefore be it

Resolved, That ASNA will promote, with the assistance of school nurses, the "Rescuing Recess Campaign" that champions the importance of recess for children in schools across the Country, and be it further

Resolved, That ASNA will actively partner with other State Agencies that are working to prevent obesity in children by publishing articles in the Alabama Nurse on the importance of recess in school and the importance of physical activities to healthy learning.

Submitted by ASNA Environmental Task Force

Purposed Resolution #3

Promote Fragrance Free Health Care Settings

Whereas, The indoor air quality in health care settings is under scrutiny by numerous environmental health and nursing organizations, and

Whereas, Research has documented a direct connection between impaired health status and some chemical exposures, and

Whereas, Some individuals with compromised immune systems and others with asthma, allergies, migraines, etc. are especially affected by fragrance exposure, and

Whereas, Nurses may be at greater risk because they experience cumulative exposure, and

Whereas, Evidence indicates that fragrance use in the workplace is a barrier of employment for an increasing number of nurses; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Alabama State Nurses Association (ASNA) join the American Nurses Association, Health Care Without Harm, Environmental Work Group, the Maryland State Nurse Association, the University of Maryland School of Nursing, and the Massachusetts Nurses Association in a campaign for Fragrance Free Health Care in the United States; and be it further