FROM THE MONA PRESIDENT

Dr. Cindi Aurentz, DNP, MSN, RN, CNE

Dear Members of the Missouri Nurses Association,
As we approach the next publication cycle of our esteemed association, I am filled with pride and gratitude for each and every one of you. The Missouri Nurses Association continues to stand as a beacon of excellence, advocacy, and solidarity in the healthcare landscape of our state.

As we look ahead, let us reaffirm our commitment to advancing the nursing profession and advocating for the well-being of both our patients and our fellow nurses. Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, we can continue to effect positive change in healthcare policy, practice, and culture.

I also want to take this opportunity to encourage each of you to actively engage with the Missouri Nurses Association. Your involvement, whether through participation in events, committees, or outreach initiatives, strengthens our collective voice and enhances our ability to serve the nursing community effectively.

Nurses must be at the table in health care decision-making. Consider donating to the MONA political action committee so that we can continue to fight for legislation that affects nurses. We need your help, and it is fast and easy to make a one-time or recurring donation at missourinursespac.org. When we speak as one strong voice, we empower Missouri Nurses!
I invite you to share your stories, insights, and experiences in the Missouri Nurse. Let us celebrate our successes, reflect on our challenges, and inspire one another as we navigate the dynamic landscape of healthcare.

Thank you for your continued dedication and commitment to excellence. I am honored to serve as your President and look forward to the incredible work we will accomplish together.

FROM THE MONA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Jill Kliethermes, MSN, RN, FNP-BC

Summer is upon us a season marked by blooming flowers, vibrant colors, and endless possibilities. Just as nature undergoes a process of growth and transformation during this time, let us also take the opportunity to rejuvenate our spirits, recharge our energies, and nurture our well-being. Whether it’s taking a leisurely stroll in the sunshine, enjoying outdoor activities with loved ones, or simply pausing to admire the beauty of a sunset, let us embrace the simple joys of summer and find moments of peace and serenity amidst our busy lives.

The Missouri Nurses Association has had a busy spring! MONA partnered with several other nursing groups around the state to host weekly days at the capitol. We know the more nurses walk the halls and share their stories with legislators, the more effective we can be in our advocacy. And there is nothing as impactful as an in-person visit with your legislator. We held monthly Days at the Capitol with the following focus this year, APRNs, Nurse Leaders (in partnership with MO Organization of Nurse Leaders), DEI Day and a Nurse Rally at the end of April. The full legislative report from session was sent out via email in late May.

If you have an interest in advocacy, be watching for the Advocacy Institute applications to open in July. The Institute is designed to grow nurses’ political competence, enhance advocacy skills and provide exposure to coalitions, media and political action committees. Participants will engage in many aspects of the legislative process, including ways of influencing legislators, members of the profession and the public through direct interaction, participation in group action and the creation and delivery of testimony in support of a specific bill. No prior legislative advocacy experience is required. The MONA Advocacy Institute is a member-only benefit.*

Your MONA President, Cindi Aurentz, and your American Nurses Association (ANA) Membership Representative, Laurie Sparr, will be attending the ANA Membership Assembly & Hill Day in Washington DC in late June along with MONA Executive Director. The ANA Membership Assembly is the governing and official voting body of the ANA. It identifies and discusses issues of concern to members and provides direction to the ANA Board of Directors. One of the key responsibilities of the ANA Membership Assembly is to determine policy and positions for the Association. The meeting of the ANA Membership Assembly provides a forum for discussion of critical nursing practice and policy issues and input from a broad cross section of nursing leaders.

In closing, I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for your unwavering dedication, compassion, and resilience as nurses. Your commitment to excellence inspires us all. I am honored to have you as members of the association and to work alongside you as we continue this incredible journey together. Have a great summer filled with warmth, renewal, and moments of joy!