The NIWI experience:
To be in a room of 150 nurses from all over the country,
with all levels of expertise, is awe-inspiring. Since becoming a CWOCN ten yrs
ago, I have wanted to have the opportunity to attend NIWI. Thanks to the
benevolence of the MAR and my local affiliate, the Hampton Roads affiliate, I
was able to make this a reality.
The best word that describes what NIWI did for me is INSPIRE. I have been a nurse in many
different arenas for the past 30 yrs. I have been a voter for 34 years. Going to Capitol Hill, meeting with
representatives and senators and having the opportunity to discuss real life
health care issues, made me realize how important this legislative process is.
I felt like I was back in civics or government class, but now it means
something. I have come home, and have become much more involved and in the local
political scene, in that I read the issues, I pick up the phone, or send that
email, and state my view, rather that just thinking about it. I have also joined my local VNA group, and
plan to grow in my WOCN organization as well.
The frustration was that the WOCN did not have any real hot
topic to go to the Hill on. Many of the other organizations had done there
homework, knew bills that would affect their clients, and were ready to drive
home their positions to the legislators. We as a group did discuss the bundling
issues for ostomates, access to care issues, and
awareness of the population we serve. With my Virginia delegation, we hit the funding for nurse reinvestment
act, because the bottom line is , If we have no nurses, we have no specialty nurses.
Which brings me to another issue that was
born at NIWI. Out of the 150 nurses present, there were probably 75
specialties. Some of the group felt there was not enough “specialty nurse
time”. Personally, I feel we as nurses need to get out of our “silos” and band
together, much more would be gained from this strength, rather than staying in
our smaller groups, and maintaining the tunnel vision approach.
Would I recommend NIWI?? Definitely, I think each person who
attends will bring home something different, but it will be a positive
influence, regardless of the situation. INVOLVEMENT is the key, I would much
prefer to be a driver, than a back seat rider, when it come to the political
issues that affect my family, friends and patients…
Thank you for supporting me and sending me from the Mid
Atlantic Region.
Jane Kellam
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