NEW YORK NURSE: June 2011
by Erin Silk
The well-known adage, “Once a nurse, always a nurse,” rings true throughout the many stages of a nurse’s career – including retirement.
The retired members of NYSNA hold a wealth of information and experience concerning nursing and the association. Now this segment of the membership has a new voice in The Council of Retired Nurses, a group formed to help raise awareness about nursing as a career and the benefits of belonging to NYSNA.
“As retired nurses, we have the perfect opportunity to assist the association with its goals and mission. We can be the dynamic force that motivates members to become more active and encourage new members to get involved,” said Doreen Leary, a retired nurse and chair of the new council.
The group held its first meeting in February and will meet again in June. Their focus is reaching students early in their academic careers, and plans to speak at schools of nursing and high schools are already underway. One of the Council’s goals is to develop a toolkit for presentations that delivers a consistent message about nursing as a career and NYSNA membership benefits. Other opportunities for involvement include mentoring new nurses and serving as Legislative District Coordinators and peer reviewers.
“There really are so many ways that retired nurses can continue to remain vital to the nursing profession even though they are no longer practicing,” said Renée Gecsedi, director of education, practice and research (EPR). “We are pleased to be able to harness their talents within this new advisory group and look forward to their help in motivating other members.”
The Council of Retired Nurses is seeking to fill an open seat and invites retired NYSNA members to consider applying. The position is appointed by NYSNA’s board of directors. For more information, contact Lynn McNall, associate director, EPR, at lynn.mcnall@nysna.org.