Writing this in early December, ANA is seeking signatures and stories from nurses about whether nurses are “professionals” deserving of higher loan limits for graduate education. By the time you read this, we hope ANA has used those signatures and stories to convince the Department of Education the importance of loans to allow nurses to become nurse educators, nurse practitioners, and other advance practice nurses.
Another conversation about nurses focused not on what a professional is but what a leader is. Being a leader is not the same as being a manager. As the Executive Director of the Colorado Nurses Association, an organization that operates primarily through the hard work of nurses volunteering their time across Colorado, I believe all nurses are leaders. Leaders in education of patients, families, future nurses, and current nurses; leaders in patient and self-advocacy; and leaders as the largest group of professional healthcare providers. While reviewing the articles submitted for this issue of the Colorado Nurse, I saw the writings of so many nurse leaders.
Nurses in the Workplace Advocacy and RN Sunset group, including Marissa Young and Courtney Hickey have put many hours of work into understanding and recommending “Safe Harbor” legislation to increase safety for nurses and their patients. Lauren Zobec and Sarah Duarte developed a new post-operative bra to reduce complications for their open-heart surgery patients. Alison Yowell, Ashley Chernak, and Jennifer Albery developed a new protocol for telephone triage, reducing the time it takes to get care for those with the most serious needs. Christy Deem and Roberta Bean, both CNA Regional Directors, work in southern Colorado to increase the professionalism and engagement of nurses in their community. Each of these nurses are nurse leaders, but you don’t need to develop legislation or get published in a journal to be a leader. Keep leading others to be healthy, and if you have the time, join other leaders to make great things happen. That may be through your employer, through community connections, or through a professional organization like CNA.
I would be remiss in this ED Corner to not point out a nurse leader who has impacted my career for over a decade. Roberta Hills recently retired after many years with the Colorado Board of Nursing. During her time with the Board, Dr. Hills was my guide in better understanding the function of the Board and the Colorado statutes that impact nursing, including the nurse practice act. She also provided information and patience as we set up the LPN program at Front Range Community College and provided similar assistance to many others in nursing education. She, and all nurse leaders, are valued.
