NEW YORK NURSE: March 2011
“NYSNA allows me to be a political advocate, network, and keep current in my practice through its educational offerings. As a member of District 4, I joined NYSNA to become a legislative district coordinator (LDC). I have lobbied in Albany and Washington, and now serve as a Political Action Committee (PAC) Trustee. It is very fulfilling to see bills pass that benefit both the nurse and the patient. I also enjoy running NYSNA’s booth at the New York State Fair each summer. Many people stop by to sign various legislative petitions and discover general health and nursing career information from the many specialty nursing groups and colleges we feature. It highlights NYSNA as New York’s voice for registered nurses. During the 2010 ANA House of Delegates, President Obama thanked us for being an integral part in passing the Health Care Reform bill. But health care continues to be challenging, and as a nurse manager in long term care, I worry about how budget cuts will affect my patients.”
— Mary Ellen “Mel” Berg, RN, BSN, Nurse Manager, The Centers at St. Camillus