Coalitions

As I complete my first months as your Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) president, I find myself in awe of the relationships and coalitions our organization is asked to participate in. It reinforces to me each day what a great organization we have to support the work we do.

Emergency Nurses Association representation is requested in many areas related to patient care. The word coalition means to partner with groups to achieve a common goal, and we are asked every day to partner with various groups to meet a common interest. There are many aspects of patient care that emergency nursing touches. Some of the organizations we have been asked to be a part of are the American Stroke Association, American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), American Academy of Emergency Medicine (AAEM), American Nurses Association, International Nursing Coalition for Mass Casualty Education, Psychiatric Nurses Association, and the list goes on and on. As an organization, our participation with various coalitions works to promote safety, better patient care, regulatory standards, and government advocacy issues.

The reputation of ENA has firmly established it as a leader in many healthcare areas, and our expertise is sought at the table. The members who comprise our organization have many areas of competence and knowledge to share with other organizations and groups. We also share similar values, interests, and goals with our medical colleagues. I am proud that ENA is asked to represent the interest of our patients.

Coalitions begin at the grass roots level. In our work environment, we use small coalitions to achieve results in the workplace. As our work grows larger, we use those coalitions and engage others to become more powerful and have a larger voice. An example of this strategy has been the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations' (JCAHO) first dose of medication evaluation by a pharmacist. The ENA, AAEM, and ACEP joined forces as a coalition to compose a letter to JCAHO opposing this measure. We collaboratively wrote to JCAHO explaining our rationale in opposing this measure and identifying how it would not promote safe and efficient care of emergency patients or enhance safety of medication delivery in the emergency department. This rule was relaxed by the JCAHO in January 2007. Although this measure is applicable for 1 year only, it gives us time to work on the medication guideline with our healthcare colleagues to promote change.

I encourage ENA members to look around at the issues you are dealing with on a daily basis in the work force. Are there coalitions you can start to improve the care and delivery of care to your patients? Do you have goals that are similar to the goals of other nurses in your facility? Could you achieve more with additional numbers of nurses addressing an issue? Coalitions do not have to be a formal committee or group. They can be small and grow to meet the needs of the work you need to accomplish. If your group gets larger in numbers you may be able to shift the power and alter the course of your outcome!

I look forward to new and exciting coalitions within our organization. To meet our strategic plan, we need coalitions with other groups and those coalitions should include YOU! I also look forward to building a coalition with each of you. Remember, there is power in numbers.