District One report.(NNA State Activities)

First and foremost I want to thank the dedicated and hardworking members of the District One Board of Directors. The first of the 2008 year was busy for the board with finalizing all the plans for four big events, all in April and May. The board started the year with the orientation of new board members, where we meet physically; since the board meets via teleconference this meeting allows planning for the activities for the year. This is always a fun and great time to network and able to place a face to the voice on the phone

The district had a successful spring with a better than ever raffle. We were able to meet our scholarship goals and presented scholarships to Truckee Meadows Community College, Western Nevada Community College and Orvis School of Nursing at UNR. NNA was pleased to be at the WNCC scholarship reception and meet our WNCC recipient at this beautiful ceremony. Under the direction of Carol Vickrey we had outstanding donation for the raffle; but accolade really go to those members who bought and sold tickets. You have made this work and student nurses have benefited from your efforts

The Conference on addiction, coordinator Jeannette Mc Hugh, was OUTSTANDING; the topic and speakers gave us all a great deal to think about. Evaluation consistently stated "Best conference you have ever had." The Attorney General, Catherine Cortez Masto gave an overview of the drug problems and programs initiated at the state level. Dr. Melissa Piasecki's presentation enlighten us on how addiction affect the brain and the impact on the body. She actually made it understandable; an excellent and charismatic speaker, Dr. Bernadette Longo's overview of nursing care was right on target, and the morning ended with The First Lady, Dawn Gibbons presenting on her work with the Meth task force. The afternoon speakers Dr. Deborah Steinberg, Sharon Dollarhide discussed the issues of counter-transference and Prescription drug abuse. Kathleen Reynolds presented on how state board works with the chemical dependent nurse and the last speaker was from own Susanne Bryne who is with the AAA program. The entire conference was toped off with great vendors and kudos to the Airport Plaza Hotel for the excellent and varied food; we certainly didn't leave hungry. During this conference all the board members wore the new NNA red polo shirts; do consider ordering one.

Girl Scout Fair "with the Paths of Nursing as the theme was at the beginning of Nurse Week. This was our second year and attendance remained high. A tremendous Thank You to over forty nurses and student who used all their imaginative ways to inform girls of the various opportunities in nursing. They loved doing splints, dressing for scrub nurse, viewing through a GI scope, care flight and listening to their heart and lungs. Do consider joining us next time--you will have a ball for the short 5 hours fly by when you are having fun.

Then just one week later was the Nurse of Achievement dinner. This elegant event organized by Nurse Executives and leaders was overwhelmed with over 300 nominations. What a beautiful, fun evening and all we had to do is be there. Congratulation to Cathy Dinauer for chairing this lovely event. Just have to say that Cathy Dinauer was absolutely surprised when her own daughter nominated her and she won!

Our last event prior to summer was our membership meeting; Neena Laxalt gave us an excellent overview of the current activities of the NV Health Care Committee and what may be the issues for the 2009 legislative session. But sadly the turnout was dismal. The many attempts at membership meeting have met with poor attendance and the board is currently evaluating how we can meet the needs of a membership meeting with the poor participations

The summer plans consist of various service projects. The "Summer Burn" project consist of collecting items such as sun block, lip balm and large brim hats for the homeless, who are working out in the sun. We will collect items all winter for next summer and provide as needed to the Deputy who oversees the project. We are also scheduled to assist with the "Make a Wish" down by the Truckee River and will be presenting "Summer Heat" educational material.

The district board has received a request from the NNA state board to be responsible for organizing and presenting the "Nurses Day at the Legislature" in March 09. The district board is actively working on this project at this writing. Please consider volunteering.

The Board is making plans for organizing another great Christmas holiday dinner/installation of officers and awards ceremony on December 7th at the beautiful Gold Canyon Steak House; it promises to be a better then ever evening.

We are now actively seeking nomination for the 2009; position open are President, Vice President, three Directors and nomination committee; ballots will be mailed in October. If you are interested in serving contact the nomination Chair: Janet Bryant at eceinandjan@earthlink.net

Lastly many hugs and thanks to the board for a grand time: Susanne Byrne, Kathy Ryan, Carol Vickrey, Terry Ditton, Patricia Brown, Nancy Magnusson, Lorraine Bonaldi-Moore, Jeannette McHugh, Janet Bryant, Virginia Hayes. Without your dedication and hard work none of this could have occurred. Love you all

May God bless you all with joy and lots of hugs.

Value yourself as a nurse and the contributions you are making to the care of patients for you make a difference.

Betty Razor, President District One

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