ICNR Illinois Coalition For Nursing Resources

Committee Initiatives

ICNR Committees and Task Forces 2004

The ICNR has five standing committees to assess problems and plan and implement initiatives to alleviate those problems. These committees are the backbone of the organization. In addition, the ICNR has three task forces, formed to address specific issues or initiatives. All members are strongly encouraged to join at least one committee or task force and be active in the Coalition’s initiatives.

The Standing Committees are:

The current task forces are:

All are described below.

Communications Committee

The Communications Committee develops supportive materials for membership and the other committees and works to improve both internal ICNR communications and communication with the public.

2004 Communications Committee Goals:

Monitor the media regarding nursing image and recommend action when necessary.
Update and maintain the ICNR website to strengthen internal communications and attract external partnerships.
Initiate public relations activities to increase awareness of ICNR initiatives.
Develop strategies for improving communication throughout Illinois about the current and future needs for nursing resources.
Develop the website as a repository for all data related to nursing resources in Illinois to increase overall participation and improve understanding of the environmental and other factors affecting nursing recruitment, retention and demand.
Develop a list-serve for inter-member communication.

2006 Communications Committee members:

Geneva Barnes
Sandra S. Burtron
Jeri Lynn Else
Romi Herron
Scott Sundy - alt.
Steve Marks
Marjorie Maurer
Claudia Morse-Baumann

Funding Committee

The Funding Committee supports the work of the Coalition by developing ways to fund its initiatives including seeking grants, donations, etc.

2004 Funding Committee Goals:

Seek and obtain alternative non-dues revenue sources at a minimum of $30,000.
Prioritize grant opportunities and submit at least two proposals for funding.

2006 Funding Committee Members:

Alma J. Labunski (Chariperson)
Bonnie Elliott-Zahorik
Linda Olson
Georgianna Thomas

Legislation Committee

The Legislation Committee monitors legislation and advocates for policies congruent with the mission and vision of the ICNR.

2004 Legislation Committee Goals:

Identify key policy agenda issues annually.
Develop ICNR-initiated legislation to increase available nursing resources.
Develop position statements in response to pertinent policy statements and legislative initiatives from other groups.
Make recommendations to the Board of Directors and ICNR membership on legislation and other policy issues.
Provide direction to the ICNR lobbyist.
Develop the concept and plan for an Illinois Center for Nursing.
Initiate legislation to create the Illinois Center for Nursing.
Develop strategic relationship with key state agencies, including, but not limited to the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation and the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Support legislation for a multi-state licensure compact in Illinois.

2006 Legislation Committee Members:

Sharon Summers (Chairperson)
Deborah S. Adelman
Karen Backus
Geneva Barnes
Debra Bemis
Marie Burris
Pamela Dryier
Laura Ferrio
Regina Fraiya
Roberta Fruth
Vickie Gukenberge
Gail A. Haller
Sheila A. Johnson
Karen Kelly
Catherine Neuman
Jane Pond
Carol Santee
Cindy St. Aubin
Phillis D. Thomson
Adrienne K. Villotti
Susan Ward

Recruitment Committee

The Recruitment Committee is working on image improvement and recruitment efforts to attract more people to nursing. The Recruitment Committee is also developing ways to increase both gender and ethnic diversity in the nursing work force.

2004 Recruitment Committee Goals:

Maintain image and recruitment efforts to increase nursing school enrollments.
Disseminate information about nursing education and careers via the ICNR web site.
Develop activities to increase both gender and ethnic diversity in the nursing workforce.
Educate the public and health care industry about the various roles nurses play in health care promotion.
Utilize ICNR communication vehicles to increase recruitment of individuals into the profession and retain nurses in Illinois.
Coordinate “brown bag” sessions throughout Illinois to ascertain best practices in recruitment.
Collaborate with the Funding Committee to submit a grant proposal supporting recruitment of nurses in Illinois.
Develop a health badge for Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Explorers, and 4 H etc. Seek funding as needed.
Conduct a mass mailing to junior high and high schools referring them to the ICNR web site for information about how to start a health professions club at their school.
Develop Flyer: Educating school/college counselors about nursing education (i.e., courses needed; collegiate, rigorous).

2006 Recruitment Committee Members:

Emmy Moore (Chairperson)
Jeannine Arway
Tina Bernstein
Sulbrena Day
Lisa S. Evoy
Robin R. Gordon
Carol Gouty
P. Joan Larsen
Gail J. Mulrooney
Kristi K. Olson-Sitki, RN, MSN
Katherine Pakieser-Reed
Pamela Schinleber
Karen Sturges

Retention Committee

The Retention Committee is creating a clearinghouse of information on successful practices in nurse retention and utilization of scarce resources.

2004 Retention Committee Goals:

Determine methods to gather and disseminate information related to nursing vacancy and turnover rates in IL (as reported to IDPH as part of IL Hospital report Card Act) for all providers.
Collect data about compensation strategies.
Collect, aggregate, and disseminate age-related data on nurses in IL, including average age of the workforce and retirement plans and needs, and relevant best practices for retaining an aging workforce.
Develop a data repository of information on successful practices in nurse retention and utilization of scarce resources.

2006 Retention Committee Members:

Karen Backus
Ellen Barnes
Tina Bernstein
Claire Dobbins
Cheryl Fisher
Robin R. Gordon
Carol Gugerty
Vickie Gukenberger
Diana Halfer
Sue Herriott
Sheila A. Johnson
Cathleen Krsek
Emmy Moore
Gail J. Mulrooney
Kristi Olson-Sitki
Katherine Pakieser-Reed
Donna Redding
Julie Schaffner
Auna Searcy
Nancy Spangenberg
Karen Sturges
Kathy Tarvin
Shawn Tyrrell

IDFPR Task Force

The IDFPR Task Force was formed in response to membership concerns regarding the administration of the Illinois Nursing Act at the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation. It’s charge is to identify the issues and make recommendations to the ICNR Board and members regarding their resolution.

2004 IDFPR Goals:

Survey the membership to gather issues of concern with the rules and regulations for administering the Illinois Nursing and Advanced Nursing Practice Act.
Work with other relevant organizations and groups to develop a list of issues and potential improvements to licensing and approval processes for Illinois nurses.
Work with the Board of Nursing to assist in restructuring the Board to better meet the needs of Illinois nurses.
Advocate for a complete complement of members on the Board of Nursing and for the appointment of a qualified Nurse Practice Act Coordinator and Assistant.

2006 IDPR Task Force Members:

Maryanne Locklin (Chairperson)
Deborah Adelman
Karen Backus
Marie Burris
Sandra Burtron
Maria Connolly
Pamela Dryier
Laura Ferrio
Roberta Fruth
Robin Gordon
Vickie Gukenberger
Elvis David Harrison
Carol Eckert
Brenda Eden
Nancy Krier
Cathleen Krsek
Alma Labunski
Pam Mammano
H. Catherine Miller
Catherine Neuman
Jane Pond
Bobbi Scholze
Cathy Smithson
Kathy Walls
Susan Ward
JoAnna White

Nursing Education Task Force

The Nursing Education Task Force was formed to address issues effecting nursing resources in Illinois that originate in the nursing education system.

2004 Nursing Education Task Force Goals:

Develop, distribute, and report the findings of a survey of nursing programs in Illinois regarding faculty shortages, innovative ways to recruit faculty, creative clinical placements/partnerships, and attrition.
Plan and implement at least one initiative to support increased capacity in Illinois nursing education programs.
Obtain data comparing faculty to service salaries.

2006 Nursing Education Task Force Members:

Ellen L. Davel (Chairperson)
Deborah S. Adelman, RN, PhD, CNS, CNA, BC
Trish Anen
Jeannine Arway
Sandra S. Burtron, MS,RN
Linda Duncan
Carol Eckert
Brenda M. Eden, RN, MS
Kathleen Ennen, PhD, RN
Lisa Evoy
Vickie Gukenberger
Lois J. Hamilton
Cindy Hassing
Lois Halstead
Donna K. Ipema, PhD, RN
Karen Kelly
Dr. Alma J. Labunski
Sue Livingston
Dr. Brigid Lusk
Pam Mammano
Candice Moore
Marsha Prater, PhD, RN
Sandi Scheidenhelm
Pamela Schinleber
Bobbi Scholze
Auna Searcy
Georgianna Thomas
Kathy Walls
Sandra M. Webb, PhD, RN

Programs Task Force

The Programs Task Force is charged with developing and presenting educational programs to meet the educational needs expressed by the members and supporting the Funding Committee’s efforts to increase non-dues revenue for ICNR.

2004 Programs Task Force Goals:

Develop at least two education programs based on member needs.
Market programs to support the funding committee’s non-dues related revenue goal.
Assist the funding committee with other non-dues revenue activities as needed.

2006 Programs Task Force Members:

Ann O'Sullivan (Chairperson)
Michele Poradzisz (Co-Chairperson)
Brenda Eden
Jeri Lynn Else
Regina Fraiya
Jennifer Hallberg
Karen Kelly
Nancy Krier
Janice Muzynski
Catherine Neuman
Jane Read
Lisa Rosenberg
Susan Wessel