Oklahoma Nurses Association’s Nurse of the Day program serves as an effective advocacy tool for nurses across the state to talk one on one with Legislators. Everyday of the legislative session a registered nurse has the opportunity to actively participate in the legislative process. The Nurse of the Day has the opportunity to visit with legislators, attend various committee meetings and assist in the First Aid station at the Capitol. So that those participating in the Nurse of the Day or Doctor of the Day program are not tied to the First Aid station, there is a paid ER Nurse that oversees the care provided. The program allows nurses to voice their thoughts and opinions on currently legislation that affects nurses and healthcare.
This program serves as an ideal time way to let nursing’s voice be heard! The Nurse of the Day will get a sense as to the respect and appreciation nurses have among legislators as they will hear related comments often while they are at the Capitol. Also it will provide an opportunity for nurses to learn more about the legislative process.
With the session about to begin, many professional associations are trying to get legislators to take notice of their views. It is imperative that we have nurses to serve as Nurse of the Day. During the day the Nurse of the Day is introduced on the chamber floor at the beginning of the session and presented with a personalized certificate of appreciation. During the legislative session access to the chamber floor is reserved to a few privileged people, which includes the Nurse of the Day. This honor allows the Nurse of the Day beneficial one on one time with the legislators to discuss their views on current bills.
Pick any one day from February 1 to May 28. Nurses are the largest group of health care providers in the state. There are many issues that will come before the Legislature that may affect the delivery of care, the nursing profession and nurses in general during the next session. It is imperative that Nurses are there to weigh in on these issues. The Oklahoma Nurses Association’s Nurse of the Day has proven thought the years that it provides visibility and an opportunity for nurses’ voices to be heard throughout the Capitol. Sign-up as Nurse of the Day using the form provided here or call the office at 405.840.3476.
Special Dates Recognized:
- April 19, 2010 is the 15 year anniversary of the Murrah Bombing in Oklahoma City. The only nurse killed that day also happened to be the only organ donor from the tragedy, Nurse Rebecca Anderson; she made the decision to be an organ donor long before that horrific day. ONA Member Eileen Grubbs, in her capacity as a transplant coordinator, accepted Rebecca's heart for an Oklahoma veteran; Eileen sees Rebecca Anderson as "a living tribute to the Nightingale pledge." As an organ donor, she saved three lives that day. The Oklahoma Nurses Association is proud to dedicate April 19th as the "Rebecca Anderson, Nurse of the Day" this and every year. Remember, April is Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Month. Tell this story to encourage more people to become donors.
- May 12, 1820 is Florence Nightingale's birthday. Our "Nightingale Nurse of the Day" serves to remind us of the Nightingale Pledge. We also celebrate Nurses Week this week in May.
Nurse of the Day Frequently Asked Questions
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Who can be Nurse of the Day (NOD)?
Any ONA member can be NOD. Students (at any level of study) may accompany the NOD. A student observes the NOD and learns more about the legislative process through visiting with legislators and attending committee meetings with the NOD. There is no designated parking place for the student NOD.
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Why should I be NOD?
First, it is a great experience! You are honored by an introduction on the floor of the House and Senate Chambers and given a certificate of recognition. (The Student NOD will also receive this honor.) You have the opportunity to visit with legislators on the chamber floor. (During legislative sessions access to the floor is reserved to a few privileged people, like you as NOD!.) You get a sense as to the respect and appreciation nurses have as you will hear this often while you are there. You will learn more about the legislative process than you can from a book. Lastly, you will be a voice for nursing and advocate for health care for the public.
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What does the NOD do?
A typical day includes blood pressure checks, taking temperatures, handing out Band-Aids (especially on Mondays when the high school pages are wearing their new shoes), and hand out over-the-counter medications such as decongestants, pain relievers, and throat lozenges. These are readily available in the First Aide Station.
More importantly, you will be the voice for nursing at the Capitol. You will be given information on bills ONA is supporting and have the assistance of the ONA lobbyist, Vickie White Rankin, and ONA Executive Director, Jane Nelson, in talking with legislators and attending committee hearings. You will have a chance to actively participate in the making of laws that affect nurses and your patients.
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How will I know what bills ONA is following?
A packet of information will be in the desk in the First Aide Station. It will give you information on legislation and legislators. A journal for the day for both the House and Senate with your name in it and bills to be heard that day will also be there. ONA lobbyist, Vickie White Rankin, and ONA Executive Director, Jane Nelson, will most likely stop by to help direct you in talking to legislators and going to committee meetings. You may also check the ONA web site before you come to get information on bills ONA is following.
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Will I be expected to give emergency or complex care?
No. As most of the care is simple first aide. There is usually a Doctor of the Day and a paid emergency medical RN to assist you in care. The paid staff is responsible for the general operation of the Station.
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How will I know the specifics of what to do?
ONA will notify you a couple of weeks before you serve with all the details. If you still have questions, you can call ONA. (405-840-3476 or 800-580-3476).
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How will my legislator know I am coming to the Capitol?
ONA will notify your legislators so your name can be printed in the daily journals and certificates of service to be presented by your Representative and Senator can be completed. If you do not know who your Representative and Senator are, you can call the Oklahoma Election Board and give your address or click here for this information. You can call your legislators the week before you are scheduled and remind them you are coming and ask when it would be a good time to see them while you are there. Most likely you will talk with their legislative assistant.. Don’t be discouraged. Legislative assistants are very important in gaining access to the legislators and it is good to get to know them. When ONA sends directions for serving as NOD you will also get a press release you can complete and send to your local newspaper.
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What happens if I volunteer and something comes up so I cannot serve?
Call ONA as soon as you know you cannot come so the appropriate parties can be notified. .
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If you are smart enough to have graduated from a nursing program, passed State Boards, and join ONA, YOU CAN DO IT!
If this is not on your list of things to do before you die, IT SHOULD BE! Sign up and check it off your list. You will be glad you did.
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