On Wednesday, March 22, 63 MCCN faculty, staff and students attended Nurses Day at the Statehouse. The attendees included students in the NP program, students in the traditional BSN program, faculty and staff.
They started the day with Senator Kevin Bacon, Representative Jim Hughes (his daughter Kaela is now in SDAP), Representative Heather Bishoff and the legislative aide from Senator Stephanie Kunze’s office. After the legislators told us about themselves, we had a Q&A session.
The program included instruction on how to connect with legislators and information on the safe staffing issue that is the primary focus of the Ohio Nurses Association this year. Also presenting were legislators representing health committees and representatives from each of the sponsoring groups. Kerry Fankhauser, MSN, RN, UZIT, assistant professor, represented MCCN on the sponsor panel.
Following the program, attendees met with legislators or aides in the Vern Riffe State Office Tower. As constituents, these meetings provided an opportunity to talk with the legislator who represents our district at the Statehouse and begin to establish important relationships for follow up.
Following the day’s program, faculty members attended a legislator reception. Reports indicate that this was a successful evening.
Nurses Day at the Statehouse is an annual event, where MCCN has historically has been able to have good representation. Plan to join us next year!
