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Human face

The opinion of experts is welcome in hearings. But sometimes the greatest power to persuade comes from the stories of the nurses themselves.

Gonzalez spoke proudly of Karen Daley, MPH, RN, who gave compelling testimony to get the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act passed.

The bill advocated the use of safe needle devices in institutions so nurses would not be inadvertently stuck and contract a bloodborne disease. The ANA worked closely with its state partners to gain momentum and move the issue to the federal level.

"We were working the bill [in Washington]," Gonzalez said. "We felt it was a cost-effective mechanism and would reduce injuries among nurses."

One of the major opponents of the bill was effectively blocking it until Daley came forward with her story. She was working in an emergency department and, while cleaning up after an emergency situation, was stuck by a dirty needle that was in the disposal box.

"She did nothing wrong. She had a gloved hand, was using good technique and adhering to universal precautions," Gonzalez said.

The needle deeply punctured Daley. When she contracted HIV and hepatitis C, she had to leave her job and her livelihood. The legislators, upon hearing Daley's story, were so moved that they pledged not to let a similar situation happen to another nurse.

The bill easily passed.

"Integrity and respect" are the key elements all four nurse lobbyists agree are critical to their job.

They garner it by virtue of the profession. They strive to maintain it in their relationships with legislators and their staff, nurses, their parent organizations and the public.

"We're not going to pull the wool over anyone's eyes," Gonzalez said. "We'll always give the good, the bad and the ugly."

If they could have their dream, what would any of these lobbyists wish for? "I'd love to see 41 nurses in the state Assembly," Hunter said, jokingly. "That's half the number of seats in the California Assembly, plus one-the number needed for a majority."

Gonzalez said she would like to "demystify" the process of legislation and see more nurses involved at the federal and state levels. She also wishes nurses would band together. "We have 2.7 million nurses in this country. Imagine the power if we all joined on a single cause," she said.

What do the lobbyists enjoy most about their work? "I enjoy the diversity of the job," Gonzalez said. "The very best aspect of the job, however, is advocating for nurses and the improvement of health care for all."

"Until you join in, you don't realize to what extent legislation affects practice," Hunter said. "Sixty percent of health care is provided by the government. Legislation and regulations affect the type and amount of health care provided.

"I've learned just by getting involved that I can impact the quality of care our patients receive. It's empowering."

Contact Gerilyn Herold at geriherold@earthlink.net