Indian Nurses’ Association of Illinois (INAI) Report for the year 2017-19
As INAI officials, we are proud to report that INAI has done a plethora of activities to promote professionalism. The program inauguration for 2017-18 was held on March 11, 2017, along with a seminar on the topic “Every Day Ethics: Ethical and Legal Issues in Nursing Practice”. Nurse’s week and holiday celebrations were celebrated in both years. In 2017, INAI obtained 501c (3) status, and was able to donate a total of $5300 to the Kerala Flood Relief Chief Minister’s fund, Smile Train, and Shankara Eye Foundation. The INAI website was also refurbished during this term.
Regarding membership, there was a 59% increase during this term. Many members benefited from utilizing their life membership for getting discounts on tuition from reputed universities and CEUs offered by INAI. INAI assisted its members in obtaining a total of 25 CEUs through the Pharmacology and Cardiology conferences. A yellow page was created on the INAI website and volunteer’s names were added from Chicago hospitals and nursing schools. These mentors are a good resource for people who are looking for help with various questions regarding healthcare. A hyperlink was added for easy access.
As part of community outreach programs, Health fairs and CPR classes were conducted in Chicago Mar Thoma Church, Sacred Heart Church, Syro Malabar, and St. Mary’s Knanaya Church. A fundraiser with a raffle was done to raise funds to give free entry for Nurse’s Week celebrations in 2018.
The year 2017 marked the 15th anniversary of INAI and so the committee published a souvenir. INAI continued to help nursing students grow by giving discounts on conferences and scholarships. Awards and recognitions were given to nurse leaders, nurse practitioners, a clinical nurse, retired nurse, new graduates, and those who received certifications. A contract was signed with APRN World for discounts on CEUs for professional growth. There were two general body meetings and multiple in-person and conference call meetings to plan for the events throughout the term.
The current INAI bylaws were reviewed and revised. INAI members were able to participate in legislative activities to promote healthcare. INAI recognizes all its members, advisory board, current committee members, and well-wishers. It was a great experience being a part of such a great professional organization.
Indian Nurses’ Association of Illinois (INAI) Annual Report for 2015
The newly elected officials of INAI for the two-year term of 2015-2016 officially took over responsibilities on December 17th, 2014 during our holiday celebration.
2015 was a great year for us with many professional and educational events. Multiple professional and educational activities were provided for nurses and nursing students. Health fair, basic screening, and health education for the community was conducted in March. INAI assisted its members in obtaining free CE hours. Twice in 2014 and 2015 INAI offered mentoring and supporting activities for nurses to prepare for the job interviews and for promotions. INAI receives calls and emails from individuals and assistance is provided on an individual basis for job interviews, promotions, etc. INAI participated in career planning event for high school students with a church community.
Nurses’ week celebration was conducted in May with various professional and entertainment programs.
During nurses’ week celebration, nurses with professional and educational achievements were recognized and appreciated. Our annual picnic for INAI members and family was organized in August. It was very well received by the INAI family members. Palliative care seminar was organized by INAI in one of the local churches and was very successful. In the month of November, flu shots was given by INAI in partnership with Mariano’s pharmacy. A stroke educational seminar was also provided to this community. INAI participated in NAINA’S ALD program in Chicago; with 5 of our members participating in their one day seminar.
Per INAI by-laws general body meetings, executive/committee meetings and governing body meetings were held multiple times in 2015.
Indian Nurses’ Association of Illinois (INAI) Annual Report for 2014
INAI has continued to conduct a variety of professional and educational events for the year of 2014. INAI assisted many nurses in returning for higher education by offering mentoring and writing classes five times this year. Seven of our members have received a discount in tuition from Grand Canyon University. This year’s focus was on teaching the tips in taking online nursing classes, writing research papers, and using the APA format style. INAI offered assistance for nurses in obtaining free CE hours in March and April of this year. Members were given free consultation and assistance in finding jobs, tips in attending interviews, and selecting the appropriate programs and courses for further education. INAI also assisted its members by providing feedback on assignments. INAI continued to participate in charity activities by providing medical supplies to those who were in need and also by contributing to the “Philippines Relief Fund”. Nurses’ week was conducted in the month of May with various professional and entertainment activities. New graduate nurses, nurses who have graduated from undergraduate programs, graduate programs, and doctoral programs were recognized on this day. All nurses were appreciated and recognized for their dedication in their career on this day.
A full day leadership workshop was conducted in November and the program was well attended by 35 nurses. Training was provided based on AONE management competency skills. In addition resume writing and interview tips were also provided on this day. Resumes were reviewed and feedback was given for individuals on an individual basis. INAI members continued to participate in legislative activities related to healthcare by responding to legislation via e-mails and voting through emails. The 2014 annual holiday celebration took place on December 20th. At this event the new INAI leadership team was introduced and inducted.
Per INAI by-laws general body meetings, executive/committee meetings and governing body meetings were held multiple times in 2014.
Indian Nurses’ Association of Illinois (INAI) Annual report for 2013
2013 was a year for us with many professional and educational events. Multiple professional and educational activities were provided for nurses and nursing students. A computer class for nurses was conducted in July. INAI assisted its members in obtaining free CE hours in November. Twice in 2013, INAI offered mentoring & supporting activities for nurses and nursing students. In October we offered a preparation class for nurses to enroll for higher nursing education and another class on tips for taking online nursing courses, writing papers, and APA format style. INAI receives calls and emails from individuals and assistance is provided on an individual basis as well. INAI participated in a career planning event in March for high school students. INAI assists new graduate nurses in searching for jobs and networking.
In October, the officials of INAI met with Grand Canyon University delegates to discuss further education opportunities for our nurses and a possibility of obtaining tuition discount through NAINA. Health fair and basic screening /health education for the community was conducted in August and a picnic for INAI members and family was also conducted in August. INAI members participated in four Legislative activities related to healthcare by responding via e-mails in 2013. In September, INAI representative participated during a conference call meeting lead by Vice President Joe Biden to discuss the upcoming launch of the Health Insurance Marketplace. Nurses’ week celebration was conducted in May with various professional and entertainment programs. During the nurses’ week celebration, nurses with professional and educational achievements were recognized and appreciated. The annual holiday celebration along with the NAINA Convention at Sea kick-off was conducted in December. The INAI website reconstruction is updated and complete.