Underlying Beliefs

For long over a decade, the public has recognized Nursing as the most trusted and ethical profession in the United States (Cipriano, 2015).  This represents both the strong solidarity and responsibility the profession carries. Therefore, it is imperative that nurses across healthcare, serve as formal and informal leaders.

Nurses have a responsibility to educate the public and legislators on issues that impact the health of Nebraskans and our communities. The Nurses Association views the call to educate and communicate as a priority.

Nurses are the largest healthcare sector in the United States, and a profession that contributes to the science, advocacy, health, and well-being of Nebraskans and our communities;

As Nebraska nurses, we believe that all individuals have a right to basic healthcare; and, therefore, we support legislation that promotes equal access to healthcare for all individuals;

As Nebraska nurses, we believe that preventative measures can result in a better quality of life and reduce the lifetime costs of healthcare. We support legislation that promotes prevention and wellness-related activities and services;

As Nebraska nurses, we are professionals; and, as such, we are responsible for maintaining competency and practice standards that are current through the utilization of evidenced-based principles.

Based on the above underlying beliefs, the NNA adopts the Following Legislative Platform;

  Support Registered Nurses

  1. NNA will strongly support the essential role that Registered Nurses play in care delivery in all settings. NNA will actively pursue any legislation that advocates for the well-being of the nurse to ensure:
  • Safe work environments;
  • Adequate training and ongoing competence;
  • Fair and transparent licensing;
  • Clear and well-defined scope of practice, maintaining educational preparation and scientific knowledge which are unique to nursing;

Support Scope of Practice

Removal of barriers that negatively impact nursing’s scope of practice, for both RNs and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs);

  • Economic stability and improved compensation for nurses.
  • Coordination of care; and
  • Participation in decision making that involves other groups providing nursing care.

  Support the Future of Nursing

NNA will support activities which are implemented to advance the goals outlined in the 2010 Institute of Medicine Report, “The Future of Nursing”:

  • Nurses should practice to the full extent of their education and training;
  • Nurses should achieve higher levels of education and training through an improved education system that promotes seamless academic progression;
  • Nurses should be full partners in redesigning health care in the United States and Nebraska;
  • Ensure effective workforce planning and policy making through better data collection and improved information infrastructure; and
  • NNA supports continued funding for nurse education and scholarship that promotes the professional growth of nurses.

Support Healthcare Access

NNA will influence access to safe, cost-effective, quality healthcare services through NNA participation in local, county, state, and federal decision-making bodies. NNA will do this by:

  • Participating in coalitions with healthcare providers and organizations that support the goals of assuring safe, quality care outcomes for all Nebraskans; and
  • Monitoring/promoting legislation to assure that the standards for safe, quality patient care are not compromised.