Jesup, GA – Two nurses from Wayne Memorial Hospital recently visited with U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss, U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, and U.S. Representative Jack Kingston on issues of concern to nurses in Washington, D.C.

Students of the Nurse Practitioner Program at Armstrong Atlantic State University attended a Nurses’ In Washington Internship (NIWI) program in Washington, which afforded them the opportunity to meet with the Georgia Representatives.  Topics of discussion included end of life care, funding for nursing research and education, and a written statement of support for the nursing profession.  The nurses also discussed healthcare reform and the Medicare/Medicaid issues in Georgia, which are a huge concern to Georgia Hospitals.

“It was a wonderful experience,” commented Wayne Memorial Hospital Clinical Educator Debbie Stively, RN, BSN, CCRN. “I now have a greater appreciation for what our legislators do on a daily basis,” she added.

“We appreciate the time given to us by the Georgia Delegation, especially during this week of intense debate over the healthcare issue,” said WMH Endoscopy Nurse Karen Bamberg, RN, BSN.  “They were interested in our comments and even rescheduled their appointment books to see us.”

The trip served to help educate future nurse practitioners on the legislative process concerning issues in their field.