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

NIWI Affiliate Rotation

2007 Hampton Roads- Jane Kellam RN CWOCN
2008 Baltimore - Mary Hadow RN-BC CWCN
2009 Central VA
2010 DC
2011 Eastern Shore
2012 Western MD
2013 Blue Ridge
2014 Central VA
2015 Hampton Roads
2016 Baltimore
Apply for a scholarship through www.nursing-alliance.org

Nurse in Washington Program Scholarship Information

The Nurse in Washington Internship (NIWI) offers an intense learning experience for individuals interested in becoming more involved in the legislative and regulatory aspects of healthcare. NIWI is open to any RN that is interested in learning more about the legislative process.

The following program objectives provide a clear view of the purpose of this event:

Demonstrate how nurses can be involved and influence policy at the local and national level. Discuss how to work effectively with legislative staff to advance policy agendas. Network with other nurses with similar clinical/political interests. Describe key steps to effect change in the legislative process. Identify techniques to advance legislative issues at the grassroots level. Identify legislative, political, and economic forces driving health care policy and delivery changes today. Please note that six scholarships will be awarded this year; one scholarship will include full compensation for both the registration fee and travel costs and the remaining five will reimburse the $725 registration fee only.

Completed applications will be judged by the NIWI subcommittee of the WOCN Public Policy committee.

For more information about the Nurse in Washington Internship Program, you may call the Nursing Organizations Alliance at 859/514-9157 for a brochure or go to their website at Nursing-Alliance