Nurses at the Legislature Day draws huge crowd

Nevada RNformation, May-Jul 2003 by Black, Lisa

February 26, 2003 marked the resurrection of the Nevada Nurses Association's long-standing tradition of hosting the Nurses at the Legislature event at the state capitol in Carson City. In addition to approximately 50 nurses from all over Nevada, nearly 200 students and faculty from the University of Nevada Orvis School of Nursing, Western Nevada Community College, and Truckee Meadows Community College attended this year's event. The attendees spent the afternoon learning about the political process and the importance of nursing activism as a part of the process that shapes nursing practice in Nevada. The group was provided with the opportunity to observe the Senate Health Committee in action and over 200 attendees packed the committee hearing room.

Debra Scott. MS, RN, Executive Director, Nevada State Board of Nursing spoke to attendees about the function of the Board of Nursing. Ms. Scott also presented information about a legislative proposal being introduced to allow Nevada to enter into a mutual recognition model of nurse licensure compact in which nurses licensed in Nevada could practice in other party states without obtaining a license in that state. Likewise, nurses licensed in other party states would be allowed to practice in Nevada for short periods of time without obtaining Nevada licensure.

Doreen Begley, MS, RN, Nurse Executive, Nevada Hospital Association spoke to the group about the function of the Nursing Institute of Nevada and about efforts to secure funding to double enrollment in Nevada's schools of Nursing. This proposal was passed by the 2001 legislature, and a plan was developed to double enrollment in Nevada's schools, but has not yet been funded by the legislature. Funding is necessary to increase the number of nurses educated by the schools of nursing in the University and Community College System of Nevada to begin to address Nevada's crisis level nursing shortage.

Lisa Black reviewed other legislative proposals before the 2003 legislature including a bill to enhance the criminal penalty for assault on a health care worker.

A luncheon was provided for all attendees and all members of the assembly and senate were invited for lunch and to network with the attendees. Approximately 35 of Nevada's 63 lawmakers stopped by and visited with the nurses and students in attendance. Special thanks to Washoe Medical Center, St. Mary's Regional Medical Center, Carson Tahoe Hospital, and the Nursing Institute of Nevada for their generous sponsorship of this spectacular event. Without the generosity of industry partners such as these, we would not be able to host successful programs such as the Nurses at the Legislature event.

Due to the popularity of this event, we have outgrown the confines of the legislative building. Next session, we will be seeking a venue for an even more exciting and informative Nurses at the Legislature. Plans will soon be underway. Stay tuned and be sure to mark your calendars for Nurses at the Legislature 2005.