Why do we need to be political? 

Two things most nurses don’t want to talk about, politics and money. But we, as nurses, must. Too many decisions are made about our profession and the care we provide not to be involved and have a seat at the table. If nurses don’t get involved, other people will. The hospital CEO, administrator, physicians or other medical professionals will gladly tell candidates and legislators that everything is perfect in the nursing profession or what changes they think should be made. But when nurses speak up and advocate, then nurses and patients win. 

This isn’t about voting Republican or Democrat; this is about voting for nurses and the nursing profession. As nurses, we need to go back to our roots and support those legislators and candidates that support us. Every day we read about working environments being compromised, hospital bottom lines and nurses being pushed to the edge. All these things are happening because we are not supporting the right candidates. 

The TN Nurses PAC is a voluntary, unincorporated political action committee for registered nurses and others interested in health care issues. It is not affiliated with any political party. It is not a branch or subsidiary of any national or other political committees. 

What this boils down to is, who are you? Are you a nurse? Then you need to support your profession by being a TN Nurses PAC donor. We all have “political” issues that are near and dear to our hearts. But where will you end up when the pro-nurse candidate loses out to a candidate who won’t listen to nurses? We are in difficult times. This is about your profession, the care you provide, your livelihood and your ability to protect your family and loved ones. 

Timing is everything.

It is time for us all to support those candidates that support nurses. TNA, the GOVA committee and the TN Nurses PAC Board evaluate candidates and elected officials in state office based on questionnaires we send out each election cycle, past voting records if available, commitments to the nursing profession, and policy positions.

If we want to make an impact in elections, we can’t wait. We need you to donate today and build our TN Nurses PAC. Over the next several months, your TN Nurses PAC board will be issuing questionnaires and evaluating the voting records of these Tennessee elected officials. 

How does the TN Nurse PAC raise money? When does it meet?

Your individual TN Nurses PAC contribution allows TNA to educate members of the legislature about issues important to our profession and to help elect candidates to office who support those issues. We build power and influence in several ways, including the support of political campaigns. It keeps us visible and involved in the political landscape in Tennessee. Campaign contributions provide opportunities for outreach and education in addition to enhancing TNA’s political presence. In order to make campaign contributions, we have to have the funding.  Make a donation now!

The TN Nurses PAC Board holds regular meetings while the General Assembly is in session. At every TNA Annual Conference, the TN Nurses PAC holds an Annual Meeting, which is open to all member-donors of the PAC. We also hold an Annual Live Auction and Silent Auction. Another great way to build the PAC is to hold fundraisers at the district level.