Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1273100
Working Nurse l WorkingNurse.com 17 July 27–September 7, 2020 the temporary waiver to become permanent policy would pro- vide relief to the clinical placement squeeze, without impacting clinical competence. "Nursing education programs will be looking to ACNL and ANA\C to lead the conversation with healthcare partners on the onboarding of new graduates," says ANA\C Board Member and West Coast University Dean Robyn Nelson, RN, Ph.D. "How will the hiring and orientation process need to change as a result of COVID-19? How will the pandemic impact transition into practice? As the commercials say ... we are all in this together." a bouquet of thanks ✚ Being part of a professional association guarantees you will always have a source of support. No matter where you work or what role you fill, these associations have your back. Nursing groups around the nation have made support- ing their membership a top priority during the pandemic. National organizations such as the American Nurses Association have collaborated with businesses and organiza- tions to provide resources for nurses, from free hotel rooms to self-care packages to webinars on the latest COVID-19 devel- opments. Caring for nurses' wellbeing and emotional health is a prior- ity for nursing organizations, especially now. To that end, ACNL partnered with Sacramento-based Flora Fresh, Inc. to deliver more than 2,000 flower bouquets to hospitals in the Sacramento region. Co-owner Allan Nishita created the cam- paign, called "Flowers for Our Frontliners," to recognize those working to keep communities safe during a very difficult time. ACNL worked with Nishita to locate hospitals in the Sacramento area and then coordinate with hospital administra- tors for delivery and distribution. Part of the Solution ✚ During the pandemic, as in less chaotic times, nursing organizations not only provide valuable information about the problems and issues facing their members, but also invite nurses to become part of the solution. "The leadership that nurses took upon themselves was absolutely something to "The leadership that nurses took upon themselves was absolutely something to celebrate." —marketa houskova, ANA\C celebrate and aspire to," Houskova says. The power of professional organizations comes directly from the people who belong to them. Nurses of all educational backgrounds, levels of experience and career aspirations have input into the organizations' direction and goals. Professional associations recognize that every nurse has the potential to be a leader and every nurse has valuable insights that contribute to advancing the profession. In the absence of live events, ANA\C has established a virtual "Advocacy Hour," held every Tuesday via Zoom, to provide their members with an opportunity to actively engage and share hot topics and concerns. Many Nurses, One Voice ✚ A situation like the COVID-19 crisis exemplifies what Houskova calls the "enormous power, skills and expert- ise" of nurses coming together, but, as she is quick to point out, that work will not stop when the pandemic resolves. Our efforts today will only help us be better prepared for the future. Developing these guidelines, safety protocols and rede- ployment plans only makes us stronger and better prepared for future challenges. Advocacy efforts highlighting critical issues such as adequate supplies of personal protective equipment will pave the way for future change that will impact healthcare for years to come. While it may be some time before traditional activities like conferences and face-to-face networking events can safely resume, the value of nursing associations has only increased in the present crisis. As an employee of a state professional nursing association myself, I can personally attest to the power of nurses coming together and advocating for the profession when we need it most. It is remarkable to witness what can be accomplished — even under such strained circumstances — when we all col- laborate to reach a common goal. ____________________________________________________________________ Jessica Dzubak, RN, MSN, is the director of nursing practice for the Ohio Nurses Association. She is also a freelance writer specializing in the healthcare industry. She enjoys her two dogs, who add commentary to her articles by laying their heads across the keyboard while she's writing. WN