Getting nurses to promote improving workplace situations or staffing problems or even just having the right equipment to work with, is so hard. Nurses need to band together and work towards the goals needed in any workplace.
HOW??: Just think what the >14,000 nurse in Jacksonville alone could do..Think POWER...
1) Unions should not be the only answer to getting things done. Nurses need to voice their displeasure and not just moan and groan about daily situations. And when there is a problem, have suggestions for the solution.
2) Be politically aware and know what bills are laying dormant, just waiting for the support a group of nurses could affect and make happen at state and national levels. With more than 14,000 nurses in one city and more and more of them computer literate, we could develop our own campaign and make our local senators and congressmen pay attention and listen to our needs. The majority could be done through the point and click method. Just to let you know the last lobby days I attended was fully represented by the AMA and Hospital Association, they were all over the capital in their lab coats and in force to promote the bills they want enacted.
NURSES need to get involved.
3) Know what your state and national organization can do for you, Know how they support your practice. The Florida Nurses Association has their own lobbyists that support nursing safe practice and many other goals. They organize the yearly lobby days in March in Tallahassee and promote national issues also. This is just a small part of a group that truly supports nursing.
Being aware, involved, and a powerful voice is one of many ways that nurses can protect nurses.
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