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Convention 2009 - Highlights: Friday, October 9

Related: Convention 2009 - Highlights, Thursday, October 8
Related: Convention 2009 - Highlights, Saturday/Sunday, October 10 & 11

The keynote was delivered by Linda Aiken, nationally recognized nurse researcher, on the musculoskeletal injuries that result from patient handling and the benefits to employers when they implement safe patient handling programs.
Convention’s first Voting Body session opened included remarks by NYSNA President Linda O’Brien and a report by Barbara Zittel, executive secretary of the New York State Board for Nursing. Attendees were also welcomed by Saratoga Springs Mayor Scott T. Johnson.
Becky Patton, president of the American Nurses Association, spoke about the ANA’s activities at the national level, especially in the debate over healthcare reform.
Members inducted into the NYSNA Leadership Institute included Joan Brown, Verlia Brown, Margaret (Peggy) Chase, Marilyn Dollinger, and Jane Godden.
The President’s Award was presented to State Assemblymember Richard Gottfried, chair of the Assembly Health Committee, who has championed state legislation related to nursing practice, patient safety, and healthcare reform.
NYSNA Practice Focus Groups met in the afternoon, followed by a forum to discuss nursing practice issues.
A forum sponsored by the Committee on Bylaws featured discussion on proposed bylaws changes that will be considered at the Voting Body session on Saturday.
The exhibit hall opened on Friday evening with a wide range of exhibitors available to discuss products and services for registered nurses.

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The New York State Nurses Association is the voice for nursing in the Empire State. With more than 37,000 members, it is the state's largest union and professional association for registered nurses. It supports nurses and nursing practice through education, research, legislative advocacy, and collective bargaining.