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In this Issue:
We've just returned from another successful year at WSNA'S Legislative Day. Members of the Inland Empire Nurses Association were again represented by members, nursing faculty, and nursing students from two schools of nursing from Spokane. They all actively lobbied on your behalf to prohibit work place issues such as mandatory overtime and uninterrupted rest breaks; the need for sustainable public health funding; continued funding for nursing education; and environmental concerns of removing BPA from food containers in Washington state and safe disposal of unused prescription medications.
During our visit to Olympia one of the most apparent things that moved to the forefront of our minds was the uncertain economic times and the difficult choices that need to be made in terms of state budget cuts. As one of the largest groups of health care providers in a variety of health care settings, we nurses understand the needs of our patients, their families, and the communities they live in. While you may not have been able to travel to Olympia with us your voice is still needed on "the hill" to make a difference in helping to shape where our limited funds will be spent.
Voice your opinion to your legislature. Send them an e-mail that informs them of the problems and the needed solutions. Educate the decision makers of what happens when the most vulnerable are denied basic health care and the impact that has on all of us as a society.
Check out the WSNA web site, which provides easy links for you to become informed, involved, and engaged.
Be part of the solution instead of relying on someone else to solve our problems.
Terry Buxton, RN, Ph.D. IENA President, 2009-10
Peggy Slider is currently serving as a Director-at-Large for the 2009 term.
I grew up traveling with the railroad and attended 5 to 7 schools a year most years. Our home was boxcars that the railroad converted into living quarters. This unorthodox upbringing gave me an insight and understanding for the challenges that people can face in their lives and a tolerance for their differences.
Nursing was a mid-life career change for me. I graduated from ICN (EWU) in 1992 and have worked in a variety of settings over the years (usually working more than one job at a time). Public Health (PH) is my primary specialty and my passion. I have worked in PH for 16 years: the first 5 in clinical services, the rest in the First Steps program, working with pregnant women and children.
I am currently attending Regis University's online MSN program. This is an accelerated program with each class lasting 8 weeks. In the end I will have an MSN in leadership and management. I have been the chair of the local unit at Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) for 9 years. I am also serving as the delegate to the labor council for SRHD, sit on the E&GW Cabinet for WSNA, and host an ANA blog for Public Health Nursing.
I have 3 children, 2 daughters, both nurses, and 1 son, a computer programmer. I also have 3 grandchildren – 2 girls and 1 boy – and a loving and supporting husband. In my spare time I ride motorcycle, garden, read, crochet and do crafts, am an avid photographer, camp, but mostly love being with my family.
Peggy is currently attending Regis University's online MSN program.
The Nominating Committee will begin recruitment for board positions for the elections to be held in June 2009.
Elections will be held in September of 2009 and the new board will take over in November of 2009.
Positions to be filled include President-Elect, Treasurer, three (3) directors-at-large, two (2) nominations committee members and five (5) occupational spots. For details on vacant positions please call 328-8288.
Anyone interested in filling a vacant position needs to have their name to the IENA office by May 15, 2009. The slate of candidates will be posted in the IENA Newsletter in June of 2009. Ballots will arrive in August for a return by September 15,2009.
If you have any questions on this procedure please call the office at 328-8288.
Congratulations to Yvonne Buzby, winner of the Nordstrom's gift card from our January mailing. Continue to watch work site boards as well as this Newsletter announcing additional chances to win prizes throughout the year.
Do you know someone who goes above and beyond in their daily job? Names are being accepted for recognition at our award event in May, please submit the name (s) of those individual you believe should be recognized. Submissions should be e-mailed to: iena@aimcomm.net or sent to the IENA office by April 1st for consideration. Include the persons name along with your own and the reason they should be acknowledged. (Kevin Reed)
This is your chance to recognize a co-worker for outstanding devotion to Nursing.
WSNA DUES STUCTURE:
Click here to download a copy of the dues structure.
NEW IENA
MEMBERS:
Click here for the new IENA Members list. The Inland Empire Nurses Association is District 4 of the Washington State Nurses Association. For information on membership Registered Nurses should call WSNA at 1-800-231-8482 or the IENA office at (509) 328-8288 or e-mail iena@aimcomm.net.
The Inland Empire Nurses Association Office is located at 222 W. Mission Ste. 231 in the Garden Court Building. Please call 328-8288 before visiting to ensure a staff member is on hand to greet you.
Tax free contribution or memorial remembrances in the name of a loved one may be mailed to: Inland Empire Nurses Association, 222 W. Mission, STE 231, Spokane, WA 99201.
The Association News is published quarterly by the Inland Empire Nurses Association, 222 W. Mission, Box 231, Spokane, WA 99201, a non-profit organization. Information on advertising rates may be obtained by calling 509-328-8288.
If you are interested in serving on a Association committee please call the office at 509-328-8288.
Committees : Scholarship, Awards, Legislative Reception, Yearly Nurse Celebration Event, Education, Finance, and Nominations. Most of the committees have a limited involvement of time. (Michelle Zicha) |
Editors: Sharon Bradley Michele Slider
2009-2010 Board of Directors Inland Empire Nurses Association
President: Theresa Buxton Vice-President: Michele Slider Treasurer: Martha Goodall Secretary: Carlene Haynes Directors-at-Large: Anne Bailey Dianna Dodson Danielle Feist Louanne Hausmann Peggy Slider Occupational Group Directors: General Duty: Judy Edmonds Community/Public Health: Lynn Vessey Independent Practice: Carrie Holliday Nursing Management: Vacant Education: Lynn Stapleton Nominations Committee: Kelly Knight, Christine Slider, Michele Wolfe Past President: Vacant
IENA is now accepting applications for scholarships to be presented in the Spring.
Applications are available on the Scholarship page. The Deadline for submitting applications is April 1, 2009 So get yours in NOW!
We are also accepting applications for our annul awards visit the website for additional details and criteria.
Did you know that RN'S and LPN'S will see fee increases for licensure?
WSNA now offers a free Labor School. They also have a Labor Studies School.
If interested please visit the WSNA website for more information ( "the school was in response to member's need and desire for additional education, support, and resources to assist them in their roles in WSNA Local units.") Taken from WSNA'S website information page on this school.
Applications for WSNA scholarships now available. Check out the new "WSNA Legislative Action Center" to find out the latest news and contact your legislators.
Visit the site frequently for the latest on what's happening in the Legislature and more! Go to WSNA site for additional info on these issues.
NOTEWORTHY DATES:
April 16, 2009 has been designated a National Healthcare Decisions Day. The American Nurses Association (ANA) will join Americans across the country to help consumers talk about future healthcare decisions.
The National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) Initiative is a collaborative effort of national, state and community organization committed to ensuring that all adults with decision-making capacity in the United States have the information and opportunity to communicate and document their healthcare decisions.
Check nhdd@nhpco.org (Emmilly Wells).
April 23, 2009: The IENA Centennial Celebration. Check out the website for additional details as they become available.
IENA is looking for your help. We are in the early stages of planning for the IENA centennial in 2009. If you have any artifacts, newspaper clippings pictures that you would like to share that can be included in our celebration in the Spring of 2009 please contact the office at 328-8288.
May 13, 2009: IENA is offering a CNE opportunity on May 13, 2009. Click here for more information.
READ THE IENA NEWSLETTER - MORE CHANCES TO WIN! The following individuals missed their names in the December Newsletter and their chance at a gift card: Amy Cutler, Rick Agrella, and Christina Conway.
Remember to call the office within two weeks of publication (328-8288) if your name appears in the text of the newsletter. There will always be three names somewhere in the text - you could be the next winner!
You can also win by filling out the Membership Survey and returning it to the IENA office via e-mail or snail mail.
Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Inland Empire Nurses Association!
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