Why Join Treasure Coast Council of Black Nurses?
What are the benefits of joining the Treasure Coast Council of Black Nurses (TCCBN)? What’s in it for me? Can being a member help to advance my career and improve my nursing skills? Will I make more money? What does the Chapter really do?
The influences on an individual’s chance of receiving many specific health care procedures and treatments continues to be complex. When insurance status and socioeconomic factors like education and income are taken into account, differences persist.1,2 Florida Department of Health Statistics and Data continue to reflect health disparities in the counties of Indian River, Saint Lucie, Martin (Tri-counties) and Okeechobee. 3,4,5
Treasure Coast Council of Black Nurses' mission is to support nurses through promoting community partnerships, providing scholarships and education (communities and nurses). Our vision is to decrease health disparities in our communities.
TCCBN provides scholarships for nursing students and give them advice on how to further their education, career advancement and leadership development. In an effort to decrease health disparities and ensure the provision of culturally competent health care in Tri-counties and Okeechobee communities, recruitment and retention of individuals in nursing programs is a major Chapter initiative.
Nursing students benefit from TCCBN membership. Student members get exposure to experienced nurses, many of whom are education and administrative leaders in the communities. They have already experienced and successfully navigated many obstacles that novice nurses may encounter.
Being a member of TCCBN affords nurses the opportunity to discuss issues unique to Tri-counties and Okeechobee communities. We actively engage in problem solving and implementing appropriate health initiatives and strategies to address the multifaceted issues in our communities.
We promote the professional growth and personal development of our members. Networking with other nurses, finding a mentor (or becoming a mentor) through the NBNA Mentorship Program provides opportunities to share your professional issues and successes. Other nurses identify with and offer help and support for challenges you may be experiencing. Chances are you are not the only one having the experience. We learn from each other and develop strategies to deal with situations. We discuss issues of common interest, cultivate and share ideas. You will find the fellowship invaluable. You will learn that many of us have the same concerns, challenges and fears that you may have.
How Do I Maintain a Competitive Edge?
Join Treasure Coast Council of Black Nurses
You should belong to a professional organization. We have a painless payment plan that includes special rates for students, new graduates and retired nurses. Some employers will reimburse your membership fees because they consider it part of professional development. You can make a difference and have opportunities that may not otherwise be presented to you. Join because of what’s in it for you!
Become a member of the standing committee that interests you.
You can demonstrate your leadership skills and set the agenda for accomplishing committee goals.
Attend meetings
Employers view active involvement in community organizations as having leadership skills, ability to work well in teams and being civic/community minded. If you are retired, it is a way of staying connected to the nursing profession and what is happening in communities, as well as, giving back to communities.
Run for office
Employers are impressed when they see on your resume or career ladder forms that you hold leadership positions in the community. Publicity is good for career advancement. Post it in your employers’ newsletter and local newspaper.
Networking
Meet other nurses working in Tri-counties and Okeechobee communities. You will have the opportunity to learn what’s going on in other community health care facilities. If you are looking, you can get a lead on a new job.
Education
Attend continuing education offerings presented by the TCCBN. Journal of the National Black Nurses Association, the official NBNA journal contain peer-reviewed clinical articles and research relevant to health disparities and various clinical specialties. You may contribute to the Journal by writing an article.
Personal and Professional Development
Being a member of the Council increases your visibility and gives you an opportunity to rub elbows with some of the health care facility leaders, politicians and our community sponsors. Opportunities to sharpen your writing skills; develop and implement community projects, including educational seminars for nurses and community individuals/families are available. In addition, there are opportunities to work with community partners to achieve common goals.
Career Advancement
Utilize Chapter resources to increase your chances of finding a job or increase your chances of job promotion.
Mentoring
Mentor or be mentored. NBNA (https://www.nbna.org/)"Collaborative Mentorship Program" serves the purpose of helping nurses/students at various levels of their development. There are several levels of development in the nursing profession and every nurse can benefit from mentorship.
Unity
United we stand! Local politicians, media and regulatory agencies seek the Chapter when they want information. There is strength in numbers. We speak in one loud voice. You can influence issues that you are passionate about and effect elimination of health disparities.
How to get the most out of membership?
Actively participate in TCCBN activities; otherwise you will miss the advantages of being a member. You will get out of TCCBN membership what you put in. Get involved with a committee, attend meetings, participate in developing CEU offerings, participate in sponsored events, run for an office, go to NBNA Conferences, network with other nurses who share the same values and nursing traditions.
website: https://www.treasurecoastcouncilofnurses.com
facebook: treasurecoastcouncilofnurses
email: councilofnurses@gmail.com
1 https://www.forbes.com/sites/robert pearl MD/2017/04/13/mistreated-why-we-think-were-getting-good-health-care-and-why-were-usually-wrong/
Website TitleForbes
Article Title Mistreated: Why We Think We're Getting Good Healthcare (And Why We're Usually Wrong)
Date Published April 18, 2017
2 P. (n.d.). Pharma & Healthcare Why Health Care Is Different If You're Black, Latino or Poor. Pharma & Healthcare Why Health Care Is Different If You're Black, Latino Or Poor.
3 (August 18, 2018). Retrieved from www.flhealthcharts.com
4 (August 18, 2018). Retrieved from www.floridahealth.gov/statistics-and-data
5 (August 18, 2018). Retrieved from www.floridahealth.gov
6 (August 18, 2018). Retrieved from https://minoritynurse.com/nursing-statistics/
7 (August 18, 2018). Retrieved from www.nbna.org