By Shawn Kennedy, MA, RN, AJN interim editor-in-chief

On a new post at Homeland Voice, author Fiona Regina, MSN, RN, presents a rather critical discussion of the American Nurses Association’s opposition to the National Nurse initiative. She writes, “For heaven’s sake, it’s time for the ANA to get on board. The entire ANA organization would be better served by embracing motivated, politically active nurses willing to improve the health of our nation.” 

Regina offers several theories as to why the ANA might be taking the position (that is, aside from their stated reasons, one of which is that the U.S. Public Health Service already has a Chief Nursing Officer); what’s lacking in her piece, though, is any comment from the ANA to refute her charges or further elucidate their position. 

The ANA stance aside, the notion of a National Nurse keeps coming up and has support from many sectors. Diana Mason, AJN‘s editor-in-chief emeritus, argued for it here last September. More nurses should join the debate so that this issue can either move forward or be put to rest. What’s your opinion?
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