We are at the final week of National Nurses month. We have an opportunity to promote nurses’ invaluable contributions by engaging with our community members and educating them on what nurses do and the vital role they plan in our communities. It’s a great time to show your pride as a nurse. Access Community Engagement Stories
Week #4 I Ways to Participate
- Pay tribute to a local nurse, or recognize all nurses who provide care every day, year-round. Write a letter or
share a video. Share the tribute or a special thank you on social media using the hashtag #ANANursesMonth. - Consider a virtual fundraiser for the community, a blood drive, or online workshops aimed at reducing stress and building morale. These events can take place anytime, but use this observance to get the conversation started and planning underway.
- Discuss current and ongoing health care issues with elected officials at the local, state, or federal level. Elected officials should be visible and accountable for their positions on health care. This also offers good media coverage potential. Stay up to date with ANA’s Policy & State Government Affairs program which monitors trends in nursing-related legislation in the states.
- Take part in Project Firstline, a collaboration between ANA and the CDC, to provide FREE infection prevention and control training. Resources and training opportunities will prepare healthcare professionals to protect themselves, their patients and community from infectious disease threats. Be sure to check out new IPC training modules now available and see how you can make an impact in your community while earning CNE.
Jenifer Lauckner, RN, recently shared, “As a nurse, I’ve been there to welcome life into this world by assisting in delivering a baby. I’ve assisted in CPR and witnessed someone come back to life and spend more time with their family. I’ve held someone’s hand and prayed with them as they passed away quietly per their wishes. I’ve assisted my team doing everything we could trying to sustain life, with no success, and cried with the deceased member’s family. I’ve sat and listened to patients as they have cried about their new diagnosis. I’ve spent my spare time sitting with patients who have no family and are lonely. I’ve also held those patient’s hands as they have passed if they have had no family or friends to be there so they were not alone. Nursing can be such a stressful occupation, but it can be one of the most fulfilling callings.” Lauckner is a Quality Improvement Advisor with the Great Plains QIN.
♥ On behalf of the Great Plains QIN team, Happy National Nurses Month! Thanks for the opportunity to recognize and celebrate you!