NursingLink

Basically agree with Hillary assessment that Obama is too inexperienced to be president. We just came off the same thing for the last eight years with Bush.

I am personally sick and tired of the mudslinging already, and we still have a year to go with all of it. It's another reaseon I do not read the newspaper or watch any news programs. The first reason I don't read or watch the news is the absolute fact that they (all news agencies) are not reporting all the facts (the truth?) about what has happened in Iraq. When the truth comes out, I'll start caring.

I agree with everyone that it still seems pretty early, but I do think that Iraq, whether it is being reported wrongly or correctly, is going to continue to be front and center. I have never been for it, but I do feel that the media is over reporting the bad now, just as they underreported so many administration inconsistencies in the lead up to the war. They are nothing but followers.

I try not to get into a discussion about politics with anyone except my immediate family. I sometimes get too passionate about it and the conversation escalates into an argument. However, I must mention here that we need to remember that we should not vote on a candidate because of what they might do for nurses alone. Or for what Hillary might do with the troops in Iraq versus Edwards or any of the Rep. We need to consider the candidate in his or her entirety. There are some other very important domestic issues such as health care insurance, sex education, and immigration that will become major major factors in the upcoming years. Just please remember to ask yourself how does my candidate stand on these issues as well.

Additionally, if you want to get involved in making nursing a better and safer profession work for an institution or organization that practices shared governance and then belong to as many committees as you have time for. This enables RNs to actually have a heard voice about policies/procedures etc both hospital and unit wide.

For example, on my unit the night nurses have 8 patients after 11 pm. Each quarter our unit manager sends out unit evaluations for the staff to complete which is part of the whole shared governance idea. One of the major comments on the last couple of evals was that the patient to nurse ratio was too high and was a risk to patient safety (one of our pillars of excellence). Last week we began to staff an additional nurse at night and now have 6 patients. Basically, I just wanted to remind everyone that nurses do have a large influence in the profession if we just stick together and speak our made. Relying on politicians that are not health care workers will not get the job done regardless of what they say. We have to make that change ourselves.

I think that both Clinton and Obama would be better than where we are at now. Sure they are going to chide Hillary over her past history with Health Care reform - what a disaster that was!!! Neither of them have made a strong enough commitment one way or the other. I want to see specifics before I make up my mind between the two. After all we have caucuses in December here.

Dear Revive,
Patch 7 is a male nurse. Check out the family photo and bio if you choose.
I agree with georgianurse on the holistic approach to choosing a presidential candidate. Giuliani may have made some domestic mistakes; however, he does have a fantastic management resume.
Let's keep the Red,White and Blue in our flag. We were built "One Nation,Under God." We are a multicultural country with great ability to remain competitive. Giuliani was able to enhance one of the most diversified Cities in the country.
Tell me what you'll think and "KNOW" about this candidate.

georgianurse said:

I try not to get into a discussion about politics with anyone except my immediate family. I sometimes get too passionate about it and the conversation escalates into an argument. However, I must mention here that we need to remember that we should not vote on a candidate because of what they might do for nurses alone. Or for what Hillary might do with the troops in Iraq versus Edwards or any of the Rep. We need to consider the candidate in his or her entirety. There are some other very important domestic issues such as health care insurance, sex education, and immigration that will become major major factors in the upcoming years. Just please remember to ask yourself how does my candidate stand on these issues as well.

Additionally, if you want to get involved in making nursing a better and safer profession work for an institution or organization that practices shared governance and then belong to as many committees as you have time for. This enables RNs to actually have a heard voice about policies/procedures etc both hospital and unit wide.

For example, on my unit the night nurses have 8 patients after 11 pm. Each quarter our unit manager sends out unit evaluations for the staff to complete which is part of the whole shared governance idea. One of the major comments on the last couple of evals was that the patient to nurse ratio was too high and was a risk to patient safety (one of our pillars of excellence). Last week we began to staff an additional nurse at night and now have 6 patients. Basically, I just wanted to remind everyone that nurses do have a large influence in the profession if we just stick together and speak our made. Relying on politicians that are not health care workers will not get the job done regardless of what they say. We have to make that change ourselves.

Government-supported health care... Leaves me suspicious. Sure, people would be able to go out and get their own policies, but those who can't afford this option (and I'd suppose that'd be MANY, if not MOST) would be left to bask in a system like the Canadians and people from UK have.

Ask any ot them if they like their system. At the time of care (when they receive it) they pay less, but that's because they're been taxed up the wazoo. The waits for rathioned care. Sory, but I like the ability to see MY physician and have procedures done when MEDICALLY indicated, not GOVERNMENTALLY rationed.

I could easily handle John McCain. His platform on healthcare us unkown to me, but one I can very easily spend my Saturday looking up. McCain is a "get-in-there" "roll-up-your-shirtsleeves_,"non nonsense" kind of "reach across the aisle to solve a problem" kind of guy,

Personally, I feel that if nurse's would like to get involved in making health care better for ALL Americans, they should support nursing initiatives, such as the National Nurse billl; HR 4903. Like has been said before, this is just 10-2007. I'm a bit tired already of promises, promises without teeth (Barack, Hilary, John E.?)

teamRN

I've not heard anything from Barack Obama about what he WOULD do; only what he WOULDN'T do. That scares me a bit, as I just moved from Illinois and he was active there for obvious reasons and I still didn't hear much of what he stood for; just what he DIDNT' stand for.

As far as Hilary goes, I'm sure I don't want more government involvement in healthcare. Even though people can go out and get private insurance under her plan, there will still be governmental involvement. And even though the government has a better track record than many insurance companies in the health care arena, I don't want it meddling in my health care. That's between me and my doc: not me and my government. I'm for a smaller government; dems are for a bigger government.

teamRN

It's tough, but I hear something about SOME legislator's plan for healthcare or earmarks or SOMETHING daily. My husband is a news junky, so I'm fortunate to hear lots of info. I go right to my computer and send a note to whatever representative got his dander up that day, no matter whatever state he's from.

I figure that if each representative heard from health professionals enough on ANY issue, they'd consider nurses to be a force to be reckoned with and taken seriously.

teamRN

teamrn, thanks for the heads up on hr4903. Just read it and I think it would be a good idea to have our intrests represented in Washington. I have sent the following letter to my congressman David Scott.
Please feel free to cut and paste a copy to your Representitives.

Dear Representative _______,

Thank you for your concern for our nation's health.
I am writing today to encourage you to support legislation to establish the Office of the National Nurse.

I believe the nation needs a National Nurse to lead the public to better health through preventive health measures.

Obesity, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease are primary culprits for our nation's declining health. But these diseases can be prevented. The primary job of the National Nurse is to educate the public about how to prevent these diseases and lead healthier lives.

We in the United States are fortunate to have many choices in the foods we eat, in our means of transportation, and in recreational options. While these industries have contributed positively to the economy of our country, the less obvious yet equally important outcome has been disastrous, mainly the demise of our nation's health. This progress has resulted in a growing obese, highly stressed, and sedentary population.

Unhealthy people become a liability to corporations when sick employees are unable to work; to governments overwhelmed by the costs of health care; and they become a burden to themselves and their families.

With the overwhelming concern for communicable epidemics we are overlooking the preventable epidemics destroying our nation's health. A National Nurse is a means by which to address this problem. The Office of the National Nurse and nurses with other disciplinaries would be responsible for educating individuals, families, and communities about being healthy and preventing disease.

We urge you to show your support for establishing an Office of the National Nurse.

Thank you for your consideration.

I don't know about that (Hillary Clinton for national health care) check out contributors to each champain by industry http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/select.asp?Ind=H04
She has bumped down to nuber 4 under insurance, but top for pharmacuticals and AMA "healthcare"

Everyone has made pretty go arguments for the canididates they like or don't like. I still not have decided. I typically watch the local public broadcasting channel close to voting time and make my decisison then. I also do not like all the mudd slinging and feel that it is very unnecessary and childish. I would just like to see a candidate in office that is honest and trustworthy, and is truly looking out for the well being of the nation and it's people. (I know, keep dreaming!)

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!! anyone but ms clinton. Do you people really want someone in the white house that can't control her own household. besides, her husband has already showed what a wimp he is, as a military spouse I do not want her as commander in chief. Don't you realize that the clinton household allowed 9/11 to happen????? I'd rather defect to another country than allow them back in the white house.

I know that we are all in the healthfield, however, that is not the only issues to consider. Obama is a terrible choice for President. He doesnt hold his hand over his heart or acknowledge the flag. He did not put his hand on the Bible..he put it on the Koran. Now I dont know about everyone else but if someone doesnt believe in the United States flag, doesnt use the Bible, and is associated with a radical Muslim group, Im pretty sure he would not be a good President for our great country. As for Hillary..her husband is the one who legalized partial birth abortions and she feels the same way. What kind of society is that? Who knows who she would elect for Supreme court justice, if elected. Then it would be back to the drawing board to keep partial birth abortions banned and possible turn on the Roe v. Wade. Not to mention her healthcare plan. I know I might be in the minority, but I will vote Rep. because of my moral beliefs and I will probably vote for Huckabee if able. The main thing is getting people to vote anyway. VOTE

dmchaucer said:

Everyone has made pretty go arguments for the canididates they like or don't like. I still not have decided. I typically watch the local public broadcasting channel close to voting time and make my decisison then. I also do not like all the mudd slinging and feel that it is very unnecessary and childish. I would just like to see a candidate in office that is honest and trustworthy, and is truly looking out for the well being of the nation and it's people. (I know, keep dreaming!)

I don't see that John McCain is doing the mudslinging, just telling the truth as he sees it. I feel he is the honorable man, the trustworthy man I'd like to see in office and I'm doing what I can to get him elected. He's shown that he can 'play well with others,' sometimes irritating people from his party-who feel that he's being a party 'traitor' by working with Dems.

Annie