ANA to Address RNs' Emergency Response, Needs of Older Nurses

Philadelphia, PA -- At the American Nurses Association's (ANA) annual business meeting, nearly 600 nurse leaders passed important resolutions, including one that would strengthen registered nurses' ability to respond quickly in the event of terrorist attacks and major disasters and another that would aid in the retention of older, more experienced nurses by promoting workplace improvements.

The business meeting, known as the House of Delegates (HOD), was held in conjunction with ANA's 2002 Biennial Convention, June 29 to July 2 in Philadelphia, PA. The theme of the convention was "Nurses Care for America."

"Whenever and wherever disasters have struck, registered nurses have always responded selflessly by lending their skills, time and expertise to help victims and their families," said outgoing ANA President Mary Foley, MS, RN. "By passing this resolution, ANA and its 54 member organizations will be able to create a more coordinated, efficient disaster response that will help all Americans in need of emergency care, preventive care or information vital to their continued health and well-being."

The resolution was brought before the HOD by five state nurses associations that became key information centers for nurses who wanted to help following the events of September 11, the 1992 World Trade Center bombing, the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing and last fall's anthrax attacks.

In part, it calls for ANA to lead national nursing organizations in developing the profession's response to disaster events; work with its member organizations to ensure registered nurses are involved in planning and implementing disaster preparedness initiatives at the local, state and national levels; and promote public education about disaster preparedness and response.

In approving another resolution, nurse leaders called for developing and promoting strategies that support the choice of the older, experienced nurse to continue practice; heighten awareness of the critical need for these nurses to remain core contributing professionals beyond retirement if they so choose; and monitor issues associated with the aging of the American workforce.

"America is in the midst of a nursing shortage that's likely to worsen as more and more veteran nurses – the true backbone of health care – choose to retire," Foley said. "We can't afford to lose long-time nurses who might want to continue to practice but feel they can't because of current workplace practices, like mandatory overtime."

Among other resolutions, the HOD passed a measure to promote nurses' access to programs that offer comprehensive monitoring and support services to those with addictions or psychiatric disorders instead of making them face disciplinary action. And, delegates voiced their support for a strong U.S. position in the negotiations of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, the World Health Organization's effort to promote a coordinated international response regarding tobacco marketing and use. That position would include restrictions on second-hand smoke in enclosed public and private workplaces and on public transportation, and a prohibition on misleading terms on cigarette packaging, among other key concerns.

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ANA is the only full-service professional organization representing the nation's 2.7 million Registered Nurses through its 54 constituent associations. ANA advances the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the economic and general welfare of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and by lobbying the Congress and regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public.

2002 press releases

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