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December 20, 2009 Dear School Nurses, The Annual Fall Conference was a big success. The speakers were excellent and the discussions were lively. In order to receive our approval for continuing education credits the organization conducts a membership survey at each conference. The survey results guide how the organization will meet the needs of our members. The results of the survey will be added to the website soon. Thanks to the nurses who completed the survey and provided useful information.I'm very pleased that many new nurses volunteered on the survey to work with the ASNA Executive Committee on Standing Committees. It strengthens our organization to have representation from across the state. The Unification Results are in. In November Ballots were mailed to all ASNA members requesting their vote on the issue of Unification of ASNA with NASN. Thirty three percent of the members returned their ballots with their vote. The majority of these votes, 92%, voted FOR unification with NASN. Effective January 1, 2010, Arkansas School Nurses Association joins 37 other Affiliates in becoming a Unified Affiliate with the National Association of School Nurses. I send sincere thanks to the members who gave thoughtful consideration to this issue and took the time to share your opinion through voting. Jenelle Cooper, NASN Membership Director, will be sending a letter to all ASNA members regarding the membership renewal process. Membership dues will now be $130 dollars for Active and Associate Members. While membership in a professional organization is an expectation of being a professional nurse, it is appropriate to ask your supervisor, School Board, supporting physician, PTA or others to support you in this expense. It never hurts to ask for help. The rewards are listed below. As ASNA President Kathey Haynie said in her newsletter, this is an exciting time to be a school nurse. The National Organization is highly regarded in the healthcare arena. Agencies and Companies seek them out for advice regarding the health needs of children. The NASN staff has aggressively sought funding for research and program development. I enjoy checking the website, www.nasn.org, weekly to participate in the NASN Quick Poll and to listen to Radio NASN. NASN Quick Poll is a survey regarding issues relevant to the practice of school nursing. Not only do you have the opportunity to participate, you can immediately see how other school nurses responded to the question of the week. Radio NASN provides audio replay of recent national and local radio and television interviews with school nurses. The NASN website also gives the status of national legislation regarding the School Nurse practice (Policy and Advocacy link). Currently the Student-to-School Nurse Ratio Improvement Bills - H.R. 2730 & S. 2750 is one we need to be following. It’s difficult to keep updates on our affiliate website. Always check the nasn.org site for the latest on legislation. There’s also a section for “sign on letters” where you can easily provide support. NASN has paid staff that does a great job managing the website with updates. The next NASN Board of Directors meeting is Jan. 30- Feb. 2 in Washington, DC. I’m scheduling meetings with our state representatives at their national offices. I’ll be sharing your stories. If any of you have relationships with our representatives please call or email me. I know the salary issue is of great concern. There will many educational opportunities this summer. Kathey's letter has the news about the local conferences in Little Rock this June. The Annual NASN conference is in Chicago June 29-July 3, 2010. Please let Kathey and I know if you are planning to attend. We’d like to plan an event for Arkansas members and also the brief presentation for the annual Board of Directors meeting. I appreciate the opportunity to serve as your Director to the national organization. Continue to keep me informed of the issues affecting your practice so I can share your needs to legislators and to NASN. I wish you health and happiness for this new year!
Margo Bushmiaer, MNSc, RNP, NCSN What can NASN do for you?
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