Posted by Genevieve Gipson RN MEd RNC on July 26, 1999 at 21:22:55:
In Reply to: Re: National Assns for NAs posted by Lori Porter on July 26, 1999 at 20:20:47:
I think that funding is a challenge for anyone who is involved with the NA movement. We are a low budget program but do remarkable things because of the volunteers who do so much and because of sponsors who help to cover direct program related costs. We often initiate projects because it is the right thing to do and then look for the people who will support it.
Concerning STNA (State Tested and Approved) - the legal definiition of certification in Ohio precludes nursing assistants and we are not permitted to use this term by Ohio law. It means something different than it does in your state. I know that Ohio NAs would like to be identified as certified. This has been the focus of many discussions with NAs and also with public officials. I do not see this changing and so direct my energy to staffing ratios, disclosure and compensation.
Best of luck.
Genevieve Gipson RN MEd RNC
Career Nurse Assistants Programs, Inc
National Network of Career Nursing Assistants
: Dear Genevieve:
: Have enjoyed the CNAP website. Look forward to staying in touch. Your message board is an excellent resource. Web development is not our strong suit, and with a limited budget we do the best we can. Hopefully we too will have a message board one day. I will stay in touch. Have read of the leadership conference on NCCNHR's site. Looks interesting. We are certainly willing to share ideas. There is no such thing as too much recognition for the CNA profession. We have many members in Ohio, I was wondering if you could tell me when or why the state chose to call NAs, STNA's? Our members there do not use it unless aboslutely necessary, they still have CNA on their badges when they can get away with it.
: Lori Porter, CNA
: NAGNA: 7/24/99
: : Lori Porter, NAGNA,
: : I am pleased to hear from you. I am sorry you were not able to accept our invitation last year to the National Leadership Conference for Nursing Assistants. I hope you can see your way clear to be a part of the '99 Leadership Training Program (10/31-111/2/99) in Arlington VA.
: : I know you share our goals to support and endorse nursing assistants and to work together to create a common voice for nursing assistants. I am pleased to hear your activities are so successful and we would be happy to work out links between sites if this is do-able for you. I would also be pleased to include your report in the next edition of the "Network News" if you like.
: : As we work with Governors, legislators and public officials to address issues of direct care workers, we need NAs to be involved, but we also need to provide opportunities for NAs to gain and practice new skills in a safe and nurturing environment. This is the focus of the '99 Leadership Conf and also the focus for National Nursing Assistants Week June 2000. It is important in this arena that we be able to show consensus about issues and solutions. We need leaders like you to be a part of the Network so that we can move ahead in these important areas.
: : The National Network of Career Nursing Assistants is an extensive network of NAs and NA related groups nationwide. The Network has as its goal to create a voice for NAs. Although coming together on goals, position statements and initiatives, each organization maintains it own individual identity.
: : Career Nurse Assistants Programs, is the umbrella organization for the Network and also manages this web site. CNAP is also the founder and sponsor of the annual observance of National Nursing Assistants Week and Career Nursing Assistants Day since 1977. Other projects include the National Twenty Year Club and the National Forum on Nursing Assistants, now in its sixth year.
: : We do a great deal with very little - thanks to the efforts of many wonderful volunteers who provide services at no cost to the program, and of sponsors and donors who share our mission and goals.
: : We invite your group, and other NAs, and NA related groups and organizations to be a part of a nationwide effort to create a national voice for nursing assistants by joining the "National Network of Career Nursing Assistants" or the "National Twenty Year Club."
: : The info about these groups is listed on another page in this web site. Go to home page and click on National Twenty Year Club or Career Develpment. Also, watch for more info about the National Leadership Training Program on this site.
: : "We have the ideas that can make care better and we have the experience to do this" from the National Twenty Year Club purpose.
: : Genevieve Gipson RN MEd RNC
: : Career Nurse Assistants Programs, Inc
: : National Network of Career Nursing Assistants
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: : : Just to let the network readers know, there is a National Association for nursing assistants * NAGNA * our membership is made up of over 20,000 CNAs nationwide. We are active in professional advocacy, pursuing the recognition our profession deserves, education and empowerment. If you have not heard of us, go to our website at nagna.org to learn more about becoming a member of this outstanding organization. We just held the first ever national cna convention and trade show in Missouri. Over 350 CNAs nationwide attended. CNAs from Pennsylvania, New Mexico, Ohio, Vermont, Kentucky, Tennessee, Kansas, Arkansas, Nebraska, Illinois, Indiana and Missouri came together for this two day extravaganza. Some of the comments from our members were "this was an experience of a lifetime" "I've never been more proud to be a CNA" to name a couple. The convention was followed by our 5th annual CNA "Key to Quality" Awards Banquet where 47 CNAs were honored nationally with an audience of 800 there to celebrate their acheivement. Awards varied from Lifetime Acheivement, CNA of the Year to Rookie of the Year. Over 4000 CNA nominations were received and 47 outstanding CNAs were honored with the Key to Quality Plaque. I invite all CNAs to contact NAGNA for information. I am proud to be one of the founders of the organization and take tremedous pride in what the staff and members have been able to achieve for our profession. Phone or email for more information. I am so thrilled to see so many of you communicating this way. Our website does not contain a message board but it will now. Hope to hear from you soon. My name is Lori Porter,CNA and I am the executive director of NAGNA my direct number is (800)784-6049 my email is [email protected] Look forward to hearing from you and God bless each of you.