I Am TNA
by Kathleen McCoy, DNSc, RN, APRN-BC, CS
As a fledgling RN, my employer offered a discount by paying a percentage of my state nurses organization’s annual fee through direct payroll incentive. This caught my attention, as it was substantial; and I have been known to like a bargain. I joined and continued my state nurses association membership through my career; through three different states of ANA affiliates.
Between my employer and the encouragement of my nursing professors, I was groomed and encouraged to become active. I became more involved in an increasing level of participation throughout my career. I am not so sure that I would be so involved if not for the steady encouragement I received when I was wet behind the ears. By the time I specialized, I knew one thing; my state nurses association was the link between me, my practice and the state legislature. With our voice to that legislature, we can be heard to affect matters related to healthcare and nursing practice. Our specialty organizations do other things, but they do not affect local state law; and that is something we must be vigilant about. I am convinced that every nurse should have a voice in their state nurses association. I am glad mine is TNA.
When I relocated briefly for an out-of-state position, I joined the local state student nurses association. Displayed proudly in my out-of-state home was my TNA “Celebrating 100 Years” afghan; a continual visual cue that nurtured my soul. I love my afghan and always had it nearby since I ordered it. A month or so after moving out of state I got a call. The call came from Cheri Glass of the TNA office in Nashville. Cheri inquired if all was well and what could be done for me to renew my membership. I was so touched; the office of TNA let me know that I, one nurse, had value. That was a WOW! moment. I told Cheri I’d have to relocate back and she said she hoped I would. My TNA afghan and Cheri’s call were some of the gentle encouraging messages–I am a Tennessee nurse through and through.
A short time later, I received some wonderful offers in two different states; it was a no brainer, Tennessee won hands down, in part to what I know first-hand about the momentum of professional nursing in this state where nurses are both inspiring and a vital force. I have been part of it, and I have returned to continue our collective journey of health promotion and disease prevention through our nursing careers and through the support of TNA. I currently serve as TNA District 9 President.
We have come so far in just a few years…