My Thoughts on the Nurse Legislative Conference

Hundreds of nurses attended the two-day conference in Sacramento – including members from all of our locals in California. SEIU 721 sent 38 nurse leaders, and I was honored to be in the company of these dynamic advocates. Workshops covered a wide range of topics – from benefits of teamwork, Cal/OSHA, Safe Care Standard Campaign for California Healthcare to enrollment for Affordable Care Act. My favorite workshop was “Collaboration is the New Currency.”  It was a powerful presentation that brought awareness to Public Health Nursing.  The presenter inspired her audience with her experience in successfully training at risk teens on a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).   In addition to all of the workshops and general sessions. I enjoyed the casual discussions I had with like minded healthcare professionals. One conversation that sticks with me is the one that took place on the way to lobbying at the capitol.  I had a discussion with a Kern County nurse who shared the challenges of their county hospitals wanting to privatize.  The passion and desire to prevent that from happening and bringing the issue to the attention of their assemblyman is admirable.   I left the conference that much more committed to share and make people aware of the great things nurses do for the community.  I can’t wait to get back to my co-workers and brothers and sisters at SEIU 721 so we can plan future events that raise awareness.   If you are a nurse, I encourage you get involved. Even if you missed the conference, there will be plenty to do through SEIU 721.