KING COUNTY NURSES ASSOCIATION presents
 


Students Welcome at KCNA’s Annual Meeting & Spring Banquet
     Nurses and future nurses alike are invited to kick off National Nurses Week in style at the KCNA Annual Meeting & Spring Banquet on Thursday, May 6, 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. at Shilshole Bay Beach Club. Guests will enjoy Northwest cuisine on the shores of Shilshole, celebrate outstanding nurses in the community with Annual Shining Star Awards, congratulate scholarship winners and purchase some great auction items (every penny benefits the KCNA Scholarship Program). Two students from each nursing school in King County will attend for FREE; e-mail rose@kcnurses.org to request a FREE spot (first come, first served). OR register on-line at the special student rate of $40 (save $5 if you register before March 15). For more information, or to register, visit www.kcnurses.org.

And . . . We Need Volunteers!
     Are you organized and good at math? Do you work well under pressure? Feel great about a free meal? If you answered affirmatively to these questions, we need YOU to volunteer to assist us with the KCNA auction on May 6. You’ll have dinner “on the house,” meet a great bunch of nurses, and have the satisfaction of helping KCNA earn money for scholarships. To volunteer, send us an e-mail.

Annual Shining Star Awards: Nominate a Nurse
     Do you have a favorite professor, clinical instructor or nurse/mentor who deserves an award? If so, consider nominating him or her for one of KCNA’s Shining Star Awards. More information is available at click here.


Show Support for Health Care Reform
     Prior to the much-anticipated bipartisan Health Care Summit with Congressional leaders, President Obama released his proposal on health care reform. The proposal attempts to bridge the gaps between the House and Senate health care reform bills. It ends discrimination against Americans with pre-existing condition, provides health insurance for more than 31 million Americans who currently have none and makes it more affordable for those who do by providing the largest middle class tax cut in health care history. You can show support for this effort by signing the “Let’s Get it Done!” petition to Congress, click here.

Country’s Nursing Schools at Capacity?
     The nursing shortage has been a topic of discussion in health care for several years. An aging nurse workforce and an aging baby boomer population have converged to create less supply and greater demand for qualified nurses. Health care reform, if it happens, could add millions more patients to those needing services. One of the biggest concerns for health leaders is whether the country's nursing schools can generate enough graduates to replace nurses who will soon be leaving the profession, and to meet the increased demand in the coming years. Can the nursing pipeline grow fast enough to minimize future shortages?
     A recent article addressing this subject is available on NurseZone. To access the article, America’s Nursing Schools Face Capacity Issues, click here.

Harry and Friends Educate About the Flu
     Local mascots are featured in a lighthearted video (public service announcement) that cheers on local fans to prevent the flu with healthy actions and vaccine. Mascots demonstrating their flu prevention spirit include Harry the Husky, the Seahawks’ Blitz, the Storm’s Doppler, the Thunderbirds’ Cool Bird and the Mariner Moose. All demonstrate positive behaviors that prevent the flu, stop its spread or help an infected person get better.
 

Helping the Homeless
     If you have a passion about helping the more vulnerable among us, the homeless population in King County can really use your help. (KCNA is in the midst of a two-year initiative to “help the homeless.”) The KCNA Web site has a list of volunteer opportunities; just click here to review your options and make your move!