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About
The History of
RNO - continued
The 1989 conference was historic as the Rural
Nurse Organization was formed. Officers were elected, bylaws
finalized. Conferences would be under the direction of an RNO
conference committee. Dues were established at $25.00. Anna
Mae was appointed Regional Director and office space was provided
by Gonzaga University Nursing Department. Printing and mailing
costs were donated by Deaconess Medical Center. In January 1990,
the first RNO newsletter was published. That year the logo became
the official logo (with RNO Rural Nursing My Specialty) appearing
on stationery and newsletters. The Medallion with the logo was
presented to the first president. The Medallion would be presented
each year to the outgoing president. The Bylaws were approved.
In 1991, the RNO brochure was developed and printed. The Articles
of Incorporation were approved by the Washington State Secretary
of State. The Board of Directors elected to be an exhibitor
at rural health conferences and rural nursing education programs.
By 1992 the membership pin was designed using
the logo. Each member receives this pin. The Anna Mae Ericksen
Award was established. Criteria was written for the award to
be presented annually to an outstanding rural nurse nominated
by her/his health care facility/agency. Awards were established
for rural administrators and others for their financial support
and dedication to RNO and rural health care. In 1993 the 501
( c ) 6 tax exempt status was granted. Quarterly Board meetings
were approved. An annual retreat to be held in conjunction with
the Board meeting following the yearly conference was approved.
Board members were responsible for their expenses incurred for
the meetings. A special award was presented to the CEO of Deaconess
Medical Center for coninued financial support. In May 1993,
a contest was held to name the newsletter. Rural Nurse Connection
was selected as the official newsletter name.
In 1994, the criteria for forming chapters was
developed and published. Criteria for the Howard Gamble award
was established. Mr. Gamble received the first award in his
name. Mr. Gamble, a Northwest rural hospital administrator,
is recognized nationally as the longest serving rural administrator
in the United States. Howard has been a champion for RNO, supporting
the organization from the beginning.
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