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President's Note: A Journey of
Rediscovery: Reach Out to Invite Traveling Companions
Michael L. Williams
RN, MSN, CCRN
President, AACN
According to Gandhi, �A journey of a thousand
miles begins with a single step.� However, that first step need not be a lonely
one. The risks and fears encountered along the way are often bridged more easily
and more enjoyably when traveling with companions.
AACN�s legacy of collaboration became even
richer three years ago when our leaders added a strategic dimension. Our level
of commitment to partnering with organizations that share our interest has been
heightened. As a result, we are better positioned to influencing work
environments and the quality of care that patients and their families receive.
Consider these examples of AACN strategic partnerships.
Supported by the compatible philosophies and
visions of their organizations, the leaders of the American College of Chest
Physicians, the Society of Critical Care Medicine and AACN meet regularly around
a shared concern for patients and families and a commitment to creating
excellent work environments. This collaboration enriches our contributions to
healthcare by providing a strong voice and creating comprehensive clinical
programs. For example, PACEP, the pulmonary artery catheter education program
for nurses and physicians, was developed with a fourth partner, the American
Thoracic Society.
Robbie Johnson, MD, immediate past-president of
ACCP embraced the partnership well:
Our leadership seems so compatible, but then,
after all, why wouldn�t we be? AACN is an organization of critical care nurses
and ACCP is one of critical care physicians and surgeons. We are clinically
active; you are clinically active. We are leaders in our own institutions; you
are leaders in your own institutions. We work with your members on a daily
basis; you work with our members on a daily basis.
Together we make a positive difference in the
lives of critically ill patients. Together we work to make the delivery of
critical care better. We do that as individuals in our own institutions, and it
just makes sense that we now do that as partners with our national
organizations.
AACN is developing other strategic partnerships
as well. To create a powerful voice that embraces all nursing groups, we support
the new Nursing Organization Alliance. To harness our profession�s extraordinary
talent in confronting the nursing shortage, AACN is at the table in planning the
Call to the Profession strategic response initiative. To strengthen the cultural
competence of all nurses and ethnic minority individuals to nurses, AACN has
begun dialogue with the National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurse
Associations, the National Association of Hispanic Nurses and the National
Alaska Native American Indian Nursing Association.
The tragic events of Sept. 11 and the first
nationwide experience with bioterrorism brought home the essential need for
preparedness among critical care professionals. To identify how AACN can make
its optimal contribution to preparedness efforts, we are in dialogue with the
American Red Cross, the United States Public Health Service and AMSUS, the
Society of the Federal Health Agencies.
Indeed, individually and collectively, we are
stronger because of our companions. We are aligned to achieve a shared goal:
excellent care for critically ill patients and their families.
Letters
Remember Our Roots and Our Patients
I have been a bedside critical care nurse for
more than 30 years and a member of AACN since the beginning. I am a diploma
grad. of which I have never been sorry.
This is my third nursing shortage, and I agree
this one is different. Previously, the hospitals were interested in hiring RNs.
Although you might have been overworked and underoriented, the point was the
patient. Even AACN was different. They cared most about the patient and thus the
bedside nurse.
Now it seems that hospitals are interested only
in BSNs, and AACN is interested only in advanced practice. If circumstances had
been then as they are now, despite the fact that I had wanted to be a nurse
since I was 5 years old, I would not have been a nurse.
No one in my family had been able to go on to
higher education. Money was tight. There was no money for university education,
and large loans were not an acceptable method of payment. I was able to take out
a small student loan and became a nurse. I wanted to be at the bedside and have
stayed at the bedside.
When the push for BSNs started, I predicted a
shortage, because no one I had gone to school with could have afforded college.
I thought they would remember and learn. The problem is that no one has.
We bemoan the fact that there are few minorities
in nursing. Instead, they are nurses aides and licensed practical nurses because
that is all they can afford in both time and money.
I encourage AACN to push for the hiring of RNs
from associate-degree or diploma programs, as well as from BSN programs. We must
stand together. University programs must encourage bedside nursing, not just a
year or two at the bedside while enrolled in an advanced practice program.
Remember your roots and remember the patients.
Shirley Moore, RN, CCRN
Laurel, Md.
What Do You Think?
Your opinions are important! Share them with
others by contributing to the printed dialogue each month in AACN News. Send
your �Letters� to: AACN News, 101 Columbia, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656; fax, (949)
362-2049; e-mail, aacnnews@aacn.org.
AACN News reserves the right to edit letters for style, clarity and space.
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