The Pennsylvania State Nurses Association (PSNA), representing more than 218,000 registered nurses in Pennsylvania, will hold their Legislative Day press conference on Monday, April 20, 2015 at 12:30 pm in the Harrisburg Capitol Rotunda. The Nurse Hero theme recognizes nurses who take heroic action every day. Many look to nurses to be a hero – the hands that heal, the voice that comforts and the leader who guides them on the path to good health and safety.
The Rotunda event features nurse leader Rebecca M. Patton, MSN, RN, CNOR, FAAN. Patton is the immediate past, two-term president of the American Nurses Association (2006-2010) and holds the inaugural and first in the nation, Endowed Perioperative Nursing Chair, Atkinson Scholar in Perioperative Nursing at Francis Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University. As a nurse, author and lecturer, she has presented throughout the world. She has testified before Congress and met with major policy makers, including Presidents Obama, Bush and Clinton when she lobbied on issues affecting nurses and the public. Patton’s most recent book is the 2014 Nurses Making Policy: From Bedside to Boardroom.
“Rebecca’s journey in nursing has taken her from staff nurse to nurse advocate in our nation’s capital,” stated PSNA Chief Executive Officer Betsy M. Snook, MED, RN, BSN. “A much needed breath of fresh air within the policy arena, Ms. Patton brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to better position nurses to take on leadership roles in healthcare.”
In addition, PSNA will award its “Standing With Nurses” white lab coat to Rep. Mauree Gingrich (R-101) during the Rotunda event. This award is earned by legislators who have demonstrated their commitment to nurses and PSNA. PSNA will also briefly discuss legislative priorities including: Chief Nursing Officer of the Commonwealth (HB 389), Safe Staffing (HB 476) and the Marcellus Shale Health Registry (HB 252).
Patton and PSNA leadership will be available for questions immediately following the 12:30-1:30 pm Rotunda event.
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The Pennsylvania State Nurses Association (PSNA) is the non-profit voice for nurses in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Representing more than 218,000 nurses, PSNA leads, advocates, educates and connects with registered nurses across the Commonwealth. PSNA is a constituent member of the American Nurses Association. www.psna.org