|
About
The History of
RNO - continued
In 1995, the first RNO Chapter was formed in Delhi,
New York by Debra Caiola, an RNO Board member. Each committee
wrote goals and objectives. The Board of Directors agreed to
recognize graduating nursing students with an interest in rural
health care in the form of a complimentary one year membership
in RNO. Criteria for the awards were written. Nursing schools
in states where RNO has members were contacted and asked to
submit the name of an outstanding graduating nurse meeting the
criteria. Whenever possible, an RNO member would present the
nurse with her one year membership and pin and a certificate
at graduation. Participation has been successful. Grants were
applied for, however, RNO needed to apply for 501 ( c ) 3 status.
An annual Lois McCray, RN Memorial Lecture was
established. Lois, a rural nurse for 26 years, died of cancer
in 1995. She was a charter member of RNO, a Board member and
chair of various committees. An advisory committee of past presidents
was established. The Board decided to have a poster designed
for RNO using a rural theme. A board member paid for the artist
to develop the poster. Recommended changes were made to the
first draft. Conference calls to include Board members unable
to attend meetings was approved. The cost of the calls is paid
by participating Board member. Committees also use conference
calls for their business. Received $1,000 from a Spokane Foundation
with some of the money used to purchase a printer for the office.
The title of Regional Director became Executive Director. The
second RNO chapter was formed in Washington/Idaho by Joanne
Shears, Past President and Jeannier Eylar, President-Elect.
1997 saw the Legislative Handbook developed and
published. The logo became a registered trademark. The Rural
Emergency Room RN Triage Project developed by the Columbia Basin
nurse administrator counsel in Washington state was presented
to RNO for our use. The program is being reviewed with an update
of algorithms. 501 ( c ) 3 application included an Articles
of Incorporation amendment. Joseph Lillard, a Northwest administrator,
received the second Howard Gamble Award. A past president was
appointed liaison for chapter formation. Internet access was
established. A web page and Electronic Journal developed. The
poster was presented and approved at the 1997 conference. Funding
for production is sought. The prospective member packet was
developed.
|
