ANACA The Nursing Voice Fall 2019

anacalifornia.org  .  21 students, the terms inherent to the ANA organization were foreign to us yet, demanded our attention. “Develop a background document to present to the members of the assembly to stimulate dialogue.” The anticipation of additional requirements had not occurred to us. If successful, we were content to receive notification of our success from the ANA without further action. Ignorant of ANA operations and culture, it was an unknown entity—a roomful of angry, old nurses frustrated that we could not calculate drip rates with the nonexis- tent second hand of our smart watches. The invitation informed us that a robust discussion was expected and did little to alleviate our concerns. “Robust,” defined by Merriam-Webster as “capable of performing without failure under a wide range of conditions” (Merriam-Webster, 2019). We almost respectfully declined in those preliminary moments, without failure, under a wide range of conditions. This assembly of nurses, it appeared, had fixed their gazes upon us. Understated, the production of a back- ground document to prepare the assembly for 30 minutes of dialogue and discussion was an intimidation. What if we received a question for which we were unprepared? Surely, examples of this phantom back- ground document existed on the web; we would then download one as a template and quickly transpose our research. Six days and three gallons of coffee later, we reached the end of the internet and surrendered to the realization that we had to create and submit an original, group- authored manuscript. Email and subsequent teleconferences informed us of our instructions and presentation parameters. We would be afforded ten minutes to present our proposal, followed by 30 additional minutes to allow discussion. We preferred the time allotment of presentation and discussion reversed because the term “discussion” was interpreted to politely indicate the delicate flame spray that would erupt over us from the nursing matriarchs perched on their lofty thrones intent upon devouring us upon falter; we desired less time for their mission accom- plishment. Next, we began researching and developing our background document with one unitary goal: we had to anticipate every question asked of us because not knowing the answer was unacceptable and would result in annihilation. Long hours and late nights intertwined with pages of statistics and data valida- tion became commonplace. Spring break began and ended; personalities clashed and mended, and answers to every conceivable question regarding immunizations and vaccine-prevent- able illnesses was thoroughly researched. To state that our group harmony and cohesiveness remained intact or, that our five- month journey was seamless, without argument or turmoil would be an untruth. Charged emotions and, heated conversations, hallmark traits inherent in-group work, pervaded our dynamics on many occasions. Howev- er, the paramount- cy of our goal to reinforce nursing efforts waged against the hesitant culture of vaccinations transcended our differences. We completed and compiled our research into a 20-page document, submitting it to the ANA. Upon arrival at the assembly, the previous- ly unreachable and intangible ANA borne of our imaginations disappeared. The foreboding embodiment of staunch angry nurses, an illusion conceived of ignorance; vanished. Before us, an institution repre- sentative of the compassion, and spirit resident within all nurses appeared. The mecca of nursing, this organization teemed with welcoming, compassionate peers and brilliant mentors that stood equipped to support us. They coached and encouraged us; they embraced us. When the time came to lobby and engage congress members and advocate for professional nursing legislation, they joined us, arm in arm. Nearly 400 nurses con- verged upon the Capitol, our first ANA Hill Day; but only one message was delivered. Experienced, seasoned nurses stood behind us, passing us the torches of their wisdom and understanding as we spoke, not as individuals but with the tongues borne of the collective spirit. The after- noon following, our presentation, fear and trepidation vanished, replaced with the affirmation and accolades of our col- leagues. Nurse-after-nurse stood and spoke, lauding our efforts and, strengthen- ing our resolve. There were no ill-spoken remarks, only offerings of support and encouragement. The following day, luggage packed and taxis hailed, our cell phones chirped, alerting the group of a text message that read, “Your policy change was adopted. Congratulations!” Only a few days prior, three students departed their alma mater, modest and unassuming, yet poised, ready to defend their proposition against a formidable opponent and seemingly insurmountable odds. Returning, were three professionals, emblazoned by the support of the ANA and the platform it provided us to pro- claim our work. Our experience with ANA changed us and continues to do so; ANA gave us a gift, the gift of our voices, endowed with humble confidence, and imbued with eloquence. We became empowered nurses. References Merriam-Webster. (2019). Definition of ROBUST [WebContent]. Retrieved July 18, 2019, from Merriam-Webster since 1828 website: www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/robust Acknowledgements We thank Dr. K. Sue Hoyt (University of San Diego) for providing editorial supervision and faculty support; we thank Dr. Joseph F. Burkard (University of San Diego) for faculty support. This work was supported by the University of San Diego, Hahn School of Nursing. Janelle Bird, Steven Pochop Jr., Olivia Kearnes