THE NNA METRO OMAHA METRO AREA MUTUAL INTEREST GROUP (MIG) had a very successful 2023. The MIG hosted several events in NNA Region 4, inviting all nurses in the area to join other nurses for a bit of networking, a lot of well-deserved recognition, and a bit a fun, too! This MIG has several active planning members, each championing one of the MIG’s events, and we welcomed a new member to our group – Megan Lowery:

The following is a synopsis of the Omaha MIG’s member engagement activities hosted this year.

STUDENT LEADERS RECOGNITION

Members of the NNA Omaha Metro Area Mutual Interest Group (MIG) and current faculty recognized several student nurse leaders on Saturday, March 25. The event was held at Nebraska Methodist College. The planning for this event was chaired by Beth Flott, EdD, RN. The attendees heard from NNA President Linda Hardy PhD, RN, CNE, CTNA about the benefits of membership to a professional nursing organization. Also, Mark Darby, MSN, RN, APRN, FNP-C, who spoke about a service project, North Omaha Area Health clinical health fair. Small group discussions were utilized to facilitate networking and idea-sharing by students from the different schools including discussing ideas for future group events. The attending students were provided a certificate recognizing their leadership contributions. The MIG plans to hold this event in March 2024 and encourages all local colleges and universities to participate.

CELEBRATE NURSING AND POSITIVE IMAGE OF NURSING BREAKFAST

Our breakfast was held on April 15 at the Scott Conference Center, after a long hiatus due to the pandemic. The event was attended by approximately 250 individuals. Marilyn Moore, former president of Bryan College of Health Sciences, addressed the group. One hundred twenty five honorees were recognized for portraying a Positive Image of Nursing. As customary, each honoree was provided a certificate of recognition and a copy of their letter of nomination. A special thank you to State Director Kim Houtwed and MIG member Alice Kindschuh for running the 2023 event.

We are looking forward to the 2024 breakfast. Please plan ahead to identify someone who portrays the Positive Image of Nursing at your work place or in your personal life. We hope to have representation from every healthcare system and college/school in Region 4 on April 27, 2024 event.

NURSES POLITICAL RECEPTION

Mark your calendars now! The next Nurses Political Reception will be held on August 27, 2024 at the UNO Thompson Alumni Center. Watch the Nebraska Nurse and the monthly newsletter from our State Director for more information on this event.

ANNUAL GATHERING

The MIG hosted a happy hour on September 12 at DJ’s Dugout (near 114th and West Dodge Road) from 5 – 7 pm. A similar open house format was piloted in 2022 with positive results. A short program of updates from NNA and the MIG were presented to the 22 attendees. Old friends and new faces were among those attending. Following introductions, Anna Mackevicius, MIG Chair, provided a summary of the MIG structure, activities typically hosted by the Omaha MIG each year and invited everyone to plan to attend events next year. Of interest is the biennial Legislative Reception planned for August 2024.

Linda Hardy, NNA President provided an overview of the core priorities or NNA – Collaboration, Advocacy, Recognition, and Education – and how the organization has worked in these areas since her term as president began. As a result of her presentation, the group discussed priorities including access to care, mental health, nursing workforce, and several other topics.

Shout out to attendees who donated $170 to the purchase of 2 baskets to the Nebraska Nurses Foundation’s silent auction. Hill of Beans Coffee, an Omaha-based company, created 2 beautiful baskets, adding several giveaways like gift cards and single pot coffee grounds to distribute.

The Omaha MIG is seeking new planning members. If interested in championing any of these events, please contact me at annamackevicius@gmail.com; I am happy to answer any question about a specific event or Omaha Metro MIG.