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Over 400 registered nurses and nursing students participated in Nurses MARCH! 2008, the event which teaches nurses how to advocate for their patients and themselves in the political arena. Nurses heard the latest news on legislation,
met with their legislators, and rallied on the Capitol steps in support of issues that impact their nursing practice.

Registrants are greeted and assisted by members of the MNA staff.

MNA President Diane Goddeeris, RN, welcomes the participants.

MNA President Diane Goddeeris, RN, addresses the group. With her on the dais are Ken Fletcher, MNA Director of Government Affairs and MNSA President. Michelle Templeton.

Prior to Nurses MARCH!, Governor Jennifer Granholm met with concerned nurses to discuss issues impacting nursing and her solutions for the nurse shortage.

Participants were updated on several legislative initiatives that will positively impact nursing practice in Michigan. (L) Michigan's Chief Nurse Executive Jeanette Klemczak, RN and (R) Sen. Dennis Olshove (D-Dist. 9).

Rep. Fred Miller (R-Dist. 31) receives the Friend of Nursing Award for his work on Safe Patient Care legislation and the Public Funds Protection Act.

Nurses from the Detroit Medical Center share their difficulties in achieving a Fair Election Agreement. (L) Linda Cross, RN (R) Jeanette Reed, RN.

Over $2,000 was raised to support MNA-PAC. Pictured with MNA-PAC Chair Renee Curtis, RN (R) are Betty O'Connor-Rogers (L) and Jay Witter IV, UAN Senior Government Relations Representative.

Nurses waving placards converged on the Capitol to talk with their elected representatives about nursing's issues.

DMC nurses (L) Linda Cross, RN (C) Jeanette Reed, RN. and (R) Carolyn Harrington, RN marched in solidarity with fellow nurses.

Nurses state their cause with placards proclaiming their support for safe patient legislation, safe patient handling, and public funds protection.

MNA Director of Government Affairs Ken Fletcher addresses the crowd.

Sen. Mark Schauer (D-Dist 19) has been endorsed by MNA-PAC for the 7th Congressional District race.

MNSA 1st Vice President Benjamin Ganson shows his support for HB 4443.


Full coverage of the 2008 Nurses MARCH! will appear in the March/April issue of Michigan Nurse.
Watch for your copy in the mail!