ANA-Michigan 2021 Annual Book of Reports
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<strong>2021</strong> ANNUAL BOOK OF REPORTS<br />
Executive Director Report<br />
“To do what nobody else will do, in a way that nobody else can do, in spite<br />
<strong>of</strong> all we go through…that is what it is to be a nurse.” – Rawsi Williams, RN<br />
While it is indisputable that nurses faced an ongoing crisis in <strong>2021</strong> that was fraught<br />
with personal challenges and trying circumstance, <strong>ANA</strong>-<strong>Michigan</strong> continued to<br />
expand its outreach, grow its membership, and advance the goals <strong>of</strong> its strategic<br />
plan. And though the pandemic continues to present nursing pr<strong>of</strong>essionals with<br />
challenges related to COVID-19 (in terms <strong>of</strong> their health and the health <strong>of</strong> those<br />
in which they serve), <strong>ANA</strong>-<strong>Michigan</strong> members and leadership have continued to<br />
Tobi Lyon, MBA, CAE<br />
demonstrate resiliency and care. We have doubled down on our commitment<br />
to ourselves and each other and continue to drive our initiatives through advocacy efforts, media<br />
visibility, and self-care resources and support. As I reflect on the year, I am truly inspired by the<br />
strides <strong>ANA</strong>-<strong>Michigan</strong> has made as we readjust and redefine our terms. How this was possible in the<br />
face <strong>of</strong> a global health crisis can only be attributed to the proactivity, dedication, and sacrifice <strong>of</strong><br />
our nurses and leadership.<br />
While I am so proud <strong>of</strong> the advances we continue to make and the plans we have for the future,<br />
it remains a critical matter that we prioritize the need to take proper care <strong>of</strong> our nurses and<br />
support their wellness and well-being. Though there are many successes to celebrate, it would<br />
be remiss not to acknowledge and act on behalf <strong>of</strong> those who are struggling. Nurses, physicians,<br />
and healthcare providers are taking care <strong>of</strong> people every day. But who is taking care <strong>of</strong> them? The<br />
American Nurses Foundation conducted several surveys this year (all available on <strong>ANA</strong>’s website,<br />
nursingworld.org), and the statistics from these surveys reflect the toll that the pandemic continues<br />
to take on this committed pr<strong>of</strong>ession. The study reported that <strong>of</strong> the nurses surveyed, 51% reported<br />
being exhausted, 43% reported being overwhelmed, 23% were depressed, 22% were angry, and a<br />
mere 21% were optimistic about the future.<br />
While these results are hard-hitting and difficult to know, even more impactful are the statistics<br />
on how nurses are handling the stress and strain <strong>of</strong> the pandemic. Only 24% reported having sought<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essional mental health support, 36% believe they should be able to manage it themselves, and<br />
30% cite a lack <strong>of</strong> time. Some are concerned that if they did seek pr<strong>of</strong>essional mental health support,<br />
they could potentially face license issues, retribution by the employer, and stigma from co-workers.<br />
These roadblocks to mental healthcare for nurses must be removed, and a shift to prioritization<br />
<strong>of</strong> nurse well-being must occur before a severe problem becomes worse. Additionally, one <strong>of</strong> my<br />
biggest takeaways from these results was that some nurses reported not knowing where to access<br />
support or indicating that they felt Employee Assistance Programs were not readily available to them.<br />
Because nursing support programs do exist, <strong>ANA</strong>-<strong>Michigan</strong> is working on new ways to communicate<br />
this information immediately and effectively.<br />
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