I Am TNA
by Mike Harkreader, MS, RN, CARN
I am a Registered Nurse and currently the Executive Director of the Tennessee Professional Assistance Program, the Tennessee Board of Nursing’s approved alternative to discipline program for impaired nurses. TnPAP is a wonderful organization to be associated with. The staff feels like family and the atmosphere is always a positive one.
I have been an RN since 1976 and have been a mental health and addictions nurse my entire career. I have had the fortune of working at a variety of hospitals including Parthenon Pavilion, Donelson Hospital (now Summit Medical Center), Vanderbilt Medical Center and Middle Tennessee Mental Health Institute.
I have been lucky to have had several mentors along the way who have greatly impacted and shaped my career and philosophy. These individuals include nurses Janice Porter, Ann Cross, Ann Duncan and Cathy Gracey, to name a few, physicians John Griffin, Peter Martin and Reid Finlayson, and former TNA Executive Director Louise Browning, who taught me about the politics of nursing and the need to get involved in my professional organization as a tool to effect change. And, recently I have had the pleasure of working alongside Elaine Eaton, the Administrative Director of TnPAP, who is the epitome of a loyal, competent and dedicated civil servant.
The aforementioned nurses who were instrumental in shaping my career had high ethical standards and role modeled a commitment to good patient care and personal responsibility. They supported and encouraged me when I returned to school to improve my skills and knowledge base and when I accepted the position at TnPAP. The physicians mentioned all had one thing in common in that they respected nursing as a profession and an equal partner in delivering first rate care. All of these individuals had one thing in common–they gave more than they took.
I also have the fortune to be married to an outstanding nurse, and TNA member, Ruth Harkreader, MSN. I met my wife in nursing school as a matter of fact. She helped me navigate the University of Tennessee at Nashville’s Associate Degree nursing program at a time when my study habits were suspect to say the least. I have always admired my soul mate’s commitment to the nursing profession and to the fact that she truly values and respects the nurses she works with side by side every day at Summit Medical Center.
My membership in TNA over the years has been an important component of my personal image of the nursing profession. I have been exposed through TNA to some outstanding nurses who are passionately committed to the profession. Frankly, just “hanging out” with these movers and shakers is inspiring. I have known TNA’s current Executive Director, Sharon Adkins, for years, and when she was appointed I knew the Board had made a wise choice, as Sharon’s passion for TNA is obvious.
The TNA annual convention is a real boost to my professional motivation. It’s a time for learning about nursing research on a variety of topics, new trends, the state of nursing legislation, and the long range vision of our national nurse leaders. It seems every year I hear a student nurse come before the convention and share a story that inevitably reduces me to tears. It’s so refreshing to experience the enthusiasm of a young person embarking on their career. Plus the convention is a bunch of fun. Besides the social events, it’s always a pleasure to see what kind of outfit Francis Edwards will wear as she hits you up for a contribution to the Political Action Committee. If you have never attended a TNA annual convention, you are missing out on a great opportunity.
As our country faces a health care crisis, and as a nation we embark on a debate about health care reform, membership in the Tennessee Nurses Association is crucial so that all nurses will have their voices heard. Get involved and join us. You will not regret it.
My name is Mike Harkreader, RN. I am TNA–and I approve this message.