On Thursday, March 16th, the Georgia Nurses Association hosted members and vested stakeholders at the Georgia State Capitol for its annual Nurses Day at the Capitol event. Over 140 nurses representing the bedside, the classroom, and the C-suite convened to advocate for the profession and on behalf of patients in Georgia.
The day began with State Representative, and registered nurse, Viola Davis’ introduction of a house resolution to recognize March 16th as a Nurses Day at the Capitol. In an official press release, Representative Davis stated “Nurses are the most trusted and ethical professionals for 21 years according to a Gallup poll. As a registered nurse, we celebrate the care our nurses give to patients and citizens.”
In addition to speaking with legislators about legislation impacting nursing practice this legislative session, participants were joined by Governor Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp for a photograph inside the Capitol. In the afternoon, nurses were recognized on the Floor of the State Senate by Chairman Matt Brass, who also sponsored a resolution commemorating the day.
GNA Senior Director of Membership and Government Affairs Tim Davis, who coordinated and led the event, highlighted the importance of actively engaging in the legislative process and being part of the state’s professional association for registered nurses. “It is vital that we have nurses engaged and representing their profession as we seek to advance legislation ranging from workplace safety and practice environments, to ensuring access to care for all the citizens of our state.” Davis continued, “Advocacy days like today are a great way for us to show up and have the conversations necessary to push nursing forward in Georgia. The Georgia Nurses Association represents registered nurses across all areas of practice.”
