NHNA Correction to NHJournal.com Article

As you may have read or heard last week, NHJournal.com published an article that claims that during her testimony Representative Linda Tanner "disparaged nurses."  The truth is the representatives' words were taken out of context during her testimony in support of opposition to HB 349 which seeks to eliminate certification requirements for School Nurses.  Rep. Tanner has been, and still is, an extraordinarily strong voice FOR all nurses. What we know about the representative is that throughout her terms in office she has been a champion for ALL nurses from fighting for recognition of Cadet nurses in WWII to fighting for a school nurse position within the Department of Education.

Last term she was awarded the Barbara French advocacy award. Barbara herself is a former school nurse.  The few words that were taken from a lengthy hearing on this bill missed the key points that she and the other nurses who testified were trying to make and that is the “appropriate education and experience that matters.” The right nurse needs to be in the right job.  School nurses believe that the education that matters for that specialty is a BSN and the experience necessary is 3 years in pediatrics or equivalent experience. 

Nurses need to speak with one voice and in civil tones.  We encourage you to listen to the entire testimony and form your opinions and not let social media spin the issue for you. We thank Representative Tanner for her support and encourage nurses to speak for the right education and the right experience necessary for nursing practice.