Advocacy is defined as a political process by an individual or group which aims to influence public-policy and resource allocation decisions within political, economic, and social systems, and institutions. A myriad of issues surround the practice of emergency nursing, particularly those that impact patient care as well as nurses as patient care practitioners. For more information on how to be more active in governmental affairs in our state, please click here to access the Illinois ENA toolkit.
One in every 144 voters is a nurse, which underscores the strength in our numbers and the influence that we can have. However in order to effect change, nurses must not only understand the issues but must also make our voices heard. Emergency nurses cannot be silent on issues affecting practice and must always strive to better educate colleagues and legislators. National ENA provides a strong unified voice for emergency nursing through legislative and regulatory representation.
Click HERE to visit the national ENA Government Relations page.
"Illinois ENA supports the efforts of National ENA including encouraging all ENA members to take an active role in addressing issues facing emergency nursing."
ENA headed to Capitol Hill on April 16-17, 2024. 170 ENA members, representing their state councils, received education about ENA's current federal legislative priorities as well as training on how to be an effective emergency nursing advocate during meetings with members of Congress.
We encourage you to speak with your U.S. Representative and our two U.S. Senators regarding ENA's 2024 "Asks".
Below are downloadable one-page priority information sheets to reference when speaking with lawmakers. For any questions, or if you need more information, please contact Thelma Kuska, Chair, IL ENA Government Affairs Committee at thelma.kuska@illinoisena.org or Karen Battaglia, Co-Chair, IL ENA Government Affairs Committee at karen.battaglia@illinoisena.org.
The Illinois Emergency Nurses Association invites all members to apply to be a delegate to the annual General Assembly. The number of delegates per state is determined by ENA policies and membership numbers. If you would like more information about becoming a delegate, please contact maureen.lugod@illinoisena.org or thelma.kuska@comcast.net
EN411 Action Network
Members of the EN411 Action Network are the first to hear about important opportunities to engage with policymakers through ENA's Action Alerts. They also receive a monthly newsletter highlighting news, issues, and legislation impacting emergency nursing. Join the thousands of emergency nurses who are already standing up and speaking out!
Click here for more info.
Dear Illinois Emergency Nurses Association Members:
The Illinois Emergency Nurses Association stands with our colleagues at Northshore University Health System, first responders, and those healthcare professionals on the scene as they begin to recover from horrific events that occurred at the Highland Park July 4th Parade. We also stand in awe of them, of their skill and commitment, and the heroic acts that occurred on Monday.
Emergency Nurses are too familiar with the devastation that gun violence wreaks on the human body, the souls of those left behind, and the heart of our communities. Emergency Nurses in the Chicagoland area, in Illinois, and the nation see this gun violence daily. Although the events in Highland Park are tragic and unspeakable, the epidemic of gun violence rages on every day.
As an organization of Emergency Nurses who treat those who fall victims to gun violence, who see the damage to families and communities – we demand the ban of assault rifles and the enactment of common sense gun reform. This public health emergency must be addressed at the local, state, and national level.
A team of skilled and specially trained nurses, physicians, and other care providers deliver emergency care. Please take moment to review the statement below by the Illinois College of Emergency Physicians – the state medical specialty society representing 1400 physicians who practice emergency medicine in Illinois.
ICEP Deplores the Gun Violence That Killed Seven People in Highland Park - Illinois College of Emergency Physicians
Sincerely,
The Illinois Emergency Nurses Association Board of Directors