Change.

You must be the change you wish to see in the world. ~Mahatma Ghandi 

Anyone who has been involved in nursing and health care for any length of time is aware of constant change. There are always new diseases identified, new medications, new technologies and treatments, new practice paradigms, new regulations, etc. In nursing school we learned about change and the importance of nurses becoming change agents. Nurses as change agents are responsible for making change successful for patients and for organizations. Nurses as change agents employ various strategies to effect change: legitimate power, knowledge, interpersonal skills, and critical thinking skills. Successful change agents are skillful in human relations and bring out the best in those around them. By articulating their vision, nurses as change agents influence and energize those around them, helping make vision a reality. Of course nurses also effect change by use of the time-honored nursing process. We are fortunate in Vermont to have exemplary nurses who are making positive changes in our healthcare delivery systems. They are employed in all practice settings and at every level, from staff nurse to department head. In this issue of the VNC, please read about the Vermont Blueprint for Health and the tremendous role nurses are playing in making this initiative a success. If you are hesitant about change, consider this:

"Continuity gives us roots; change gives us branches, letting us stretch and grow and reach new heights."

~Pauline R. Kezer

As you all have read in recent issues, the VSNA has been undergoing change. Our long-term Executive Director, Peggy Sharpe left us for new horizons and the VSNA Board is pleased to announce that ... We have hired a new Executive Director of the VSNA!

Our new director is a wonderful example of a nurse who has been able to influence positive change throughout her nursing career. Marilyn Rinker, MSN is the new Executive Director of the VSNA. She assumed her position on August 13th, 2007. Marilyn is well known and loved in Vermont nursing circles. She has been involved with the VSNA for many years, most recently as President of District II and Chairperson for our annual convention in October. Marilyn has a wealth of nursing knowledge and experience to share. She was honored by the VSNA in 2005 for her contributions and was recognized in April, 2006 by the Vermont legislature at the 2006 Nurses' Day at the Statehouse.

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Marilyn graduated from Middlesex Memorial Hospital in Middletown, CT and went on to obtain her BS in Education from UVM. She later received her MSN from Anna Maria College in Paxton, MA. Most recently Marilyn was employed at Norwich University as their Nursing Program Director for nine years. Previous to that position she worked in nursing administration at FAHC. Marilyn also has extensive oncology experience, working as an oncology educator, nurse manager of a medical oncology unit, clinical research, and oncology clinical manager at the Vermont Regional Cancer Center. Not being busy enough, Marilyn has also volunteered for 30 years with the American Cancer Society, finds the time to be a Rotarian, and is the past President of the Northfield, VT Rotary. The Board of Directors knows she is the right change agent for the VSNA and will help our organization lead Vermont nurses forward. Please join us in congratulating Marilyn in her new position. You can send your congratulations to Marilyn by snail mail or email her at: [e-mail].

In keeping with the positive energy change can bring, the Board is working with Marilyn on developing strategic plans to increase our non-dues revenues and membership. I am also asking for your help in strengthening the VSNA. Consider joining the VSNA and/or becoming active within the organization. Why? The VSNA reflects the interests and needs of all Vermont nurses, regardless of practice setting. We have been the voice of Vermont nurses since 1914. We work for the improvement of health standards and health services for all people. We foster high standards of nursing and promote the professional development of Vermont nurses. We do this for all nurses in Vermont, not just the nurses who are members. Through VSNA, registered nurses can be involved in the decisions that allow you to practice the profession of nursing.

The VSNA is a constituent member association (CMA) of the ANA so we have incredible political power to help promote nursing. The American Nurses Association /Constituent Member Associations are an influential and effective network of registered nurses who support nursing. ANA/CMA membership works for you: through information, representation, advocacy and protection. Membership helps you to broaden and enhance your nursing knowledge and your career opportunities....all while enjoying significant members-only discounts on a wide variety of services. Consider the many ways the VSNA and ANA have had a positive effect on your nursing practice: enhancing workplace safety by lobbying efforts to promote the use of needless devices, opposing mandatory overtime, working to promote safe patient handling programs, etc. Both the ANA & VSNA, on state and national levels, successfully champion professional nursing excellence through standards, code of ethics and professional development, such as credentialing and lifelong learning. To help preserve our nursing profession, the VSNA is working with other organizations to ensure continued funding of nursing education (graduate and undergraduate), including scholarships through VSAC and loan repayment through AHEC. These are just a few examples.

How to join: There are 2 options for joining the VSNA. You can have the traditional ANA/VSNA membership or join as a VSNA-Vermont state-only member. The dual ANA/ VSNA membership provides the richest benefit package. But if the cost of dual membership is a problem, or maybe you already pay specialty association or union dues, consider the option of VSNA-only membership. This membership option costs $99/year. State only members are entitled to all benefits and privileges that flow from the state organization except that state only members are not eligible to run for President of the VSNA or ANA Delegate. Benefits provided by the ANA, such as access to the incredible ANA website, or The American Nurse, are not included in this membership category. But this $99 is an incredible deal! This breaks down to a cost of $0.27 a day! Where else could you spend only 27 cents a day and get so much back?

Once you join, you can become active in your geographic district by attending meetings and working on committees at either a district or state level. We need members to serve on our annual convention, education programming, and membership committees. Consider running for office at either the district or state level. You will receive mentoring by others. This experience can help you both personally and professionally. We would love to have you join and become involved. Please check out the website: www.vsna-inc.org or contact us at the VSNA office. The contact numbers are listed within this VNC. Thanks for your consideration and remember:

"Change is inevitable--except from a vending machine."

~Robert C. Gallagher.

June M. Benoit, MSN, FNP