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Autumn 2004

Nurses join the political process in America

Florence Nightingale is history. Nurses are increasingly coming out of their shell and playing a political role in countries around the world.

In the latest development, following the unraveling of the American health care system, nurses are getting organised to oust George Bush - a man who has consistently opposed any universal health care system.

The American Nurses Association,representing the nation's 2.7 million registered nurses (RNs) through its 54 constituent member associations, has now formally endorsed the Democrat candidate, John Kerry.

Citing the need for dramatic improvements in the nation's health care system, as well as continued support for registered nurses and their role in health care, ANA president Barbara A. Blakeney, on behalf of the ANA Board of Directors, declared Sen. Kerry the best candidate to lead health care reform efforts.

"Health care is at a crossroads in the United States," Blakeney said. "Too many Americans are without accessible, affordable, quality health care and nurses can play a critical role in turning that around.

"We pledge our support to help Sen. Kerry become the next President because, as President, we can count on him to continue his support for issues that are high on the agenda of nurses."

In the Senate, Kerry has been a consistent advocate for increased funding for the Nurse Reinvestment Act and other nursing workforce development programs.

He supported the ANA backed mandatory overtime bill known as the Safe Nursing and Patient Care Act (S. 373); and opposed the repeal of strong ergonomic - safe workplace - protections that were passed during the Clinton Administration.

Sen. Kerry was, in fact, co-author of both the Nurse Reinvestment Act and the Safe Nursing and Patient Care Act, and has been a strong advocate on behalf of nurses throughout his entire senatorial career.

Greer Glazer, RN, Chair of ANA-PAC. Said members were acutely aware of the changes that need to be made to improve health care for all and we will use our power at the ballot box to make health care a priority.

The endorsement process included sending a questionnaire on nursing and health care issues to all of the democratic and republican candidates, an invitation to all of the democratic and republican candidates for a personal interview and an online survey of ANA's membership.