Introducing the launch of a new
CONNECTICUT NURSES ASSOCIATION AWARD
for Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses

Nurse Joyce Grayson Award

for dedication to patient Care

Click here for more details

ANA Membership Assembly Follow Up

Commitment to Address Mental Health Stigma in Licensure and Employment

Removing Barriers for Nurses in Seeking Mental Health Care
A recent study published in ANA’s scholarly journal, OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing (OJIN), reveals nurses indicate a support system within their practice environment is a key reason influencing intent to stay within their current role. It also reinforces that more mental health support and resources are needed to improve nurse retention. The ANA Membership Assembly voted on the following recommendations to remove barriers that prohibit nurses from receiving appropriate mental health and well-being support:

• Reduce mental health-related stigma in health care settings at all levels.
• Accelerate changes to mental health reporting requirements and normalize the process for nurses to seek help for workplace-related stresses.
• Encourage employers to foster an organizational culture that prioritizes health worker well-being, normalizes open communication about mental health challenges, supports prevention and promotes care-seeking as a sign of strength.
• ANA will work in collaboration with the NCSBN to update and revise the guidelines and best practices for the Alternative to Discipline programs.

VA Health Benefits and Role of the RN

Improving Health Care Access for Veterans
Veterans come with a unique set of challenges and social determinants associated with active military service such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), toxic chemical and airborne exposures, and higher rates of substance abuse disorders among other challenges. For that reason, ANA membership delegates voted on the following recommendations:

• Considers the Veterans Community Care Program (VCCA) as a supplement to care delivery by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), not a replacement for that care.  ANA shall advocate for policies that ensure a seamless care system between the VHA and VCCA.
• Work to improve nursing knowledge relating to the unique healthcare needs of the veterans population and their families.
• Continues efforts to remove all restrictions to nursing practice within VHA and allow all nurses to practice to the full extent of their education and training to meet the health access needs of all veterans and improve timeliness of care.
  

ANA Code of Ethics Update

Public Comment Period is OPEN through 7/31/2024

Representatives also provided feedback and insights on the upcoming revisions to the Code, which is currently open for public comment through July 31, 2024. The revised Code is scheduled to launch in January 2025.

ANA has an ethical obligation to take every action to ensure the professional success and personal well-being of nurses. It will ceaselessly continue to advocate and work on behalf of the nation’s more than 5 million registered nurses. 

 Nurses Day at the Capitol!

Thank you for your dedication to being an Advocate - for nurses and the patients we care for.

Our voice is strong together - standing side by side in the House and Senate Chamber - being recognized by our state legislators - sent a powerful message.

Much appreciation for our nursing colleagues at AFT, the support of legislators, and the Public Health Committee.

Priority Bills that Passed

• Nurse Licensure Compact
• Home health workplace safety
• New School Nurse Orientation
• Education on Gun Safety
  
• and others...

Get Involved!

Join a work group!

Seeking programming/educational workgroup members - team forming now!

email info@ctnurses.org

What's on your mind?

Do you have concerns you want to share? Strategies to make things better?

email info@ctnurses.org

2024 Nurses Policy and Practice Issues for the Legislative Session

Legislative Session Resources

Want to participate? Learn how.

Advocacy - getting started!