Johnson&Johnson Promise of Nursing for Texas Gala February 2014

In 2002, Johnson&Johnson launched The Campaign for Nursing's Future to address the most profound nursing shortage in our nation's history.  Due to a growing aging population, more nurses retiring, and a shortage of nursing faculty staff, it is estimated that by 2020, the U.S. will face a shortage of 800,000 nurses.

To raise money for nursing scholarships, grants, and fellowships, Johnson&Johnson hosts galas nationwide called The Promise of Nursing.  These fundraising events are one of the most successful components of the campaign.  On February 12, 2014, The Promise of Nursing for Texas gala was held at the Hilton, Anatole in Dallas, Texas.

Exhibits
The American Nurse Project features photographs and film of nurses' unique work experiences across the U.S.  The project is conceived by registered nurse, Rhonda Collins.  Photographer for the project is Carolyn Jones.  

The American Nurse Project

The Florence Nightingale exhibit chronologically highlights the life of the founder of modern nursing.  

Florence Nightingale exhibit

Speakers

Dr. Cole Edmonson

Dr. Cole Edmonson, DNP, RN, FACHE, NEA-BC: a Robert Wood Johnson Nurse Fellow, Cole is the Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at Texas Health Dallas.  Very involved in his profession and community, one of Cole's many contributions include focusing on the future of nursing and empowering current nurses.  

Dr. Diana Ruiz, Christina Hamilton, Erin Prendergast, and myself

   

Christina Hamilton: a Texas Christian University nursing student, Christina was the first to speak that evening.  Her energy and enthusiasm filled the room.  She stated, "I am so thankful my heart put me on the path to nursing.  Nursing is such a respected profession that not only means being an advocate for your patient but also someone who is there to listen and know their story.  Nursing has challenged me and made me grow and I am passionate and excited for what the future holds for me."
Erin Prendergast, RN, BSN: Erin is an RN at Texas Health Dallas in the Women's Diagnostic Imaging Center.  She has combined her passion for butterfly gardening with nursing to bring hope to women with breast cancer.  Erin is the founder of On Butterflies Wings.  Donations and purchase of her artwork will benefit the new cancer center and breast care program at Texas Health Dallas. As a certified Dallas County Master Gardener, Erin also voluntarily teaches butterfly gardening to her community.
Dr. Diana Ruiz, DNP, RN-BC, CWOCN, NE: A Texas Tech doctorate nurse, Diana is the Director of Population and Community Health in Odessa, Texas.  In her speech, she shared her love for mission work internationally.  She has traveled to Haiti, Ecuador, and Uganda where she served the less fortunate.  She encourages people to travel and use their ability to help others throughout the world.  


My Speech
 This was the first time I have ever spoken to an audience of 500 people so I was very nervous.  I decided to speak about two of my loves, photography and my mother.  I am so happy she was there that night to listen in person.
    

my mother, Dr. Cole Edmonson, and myself

Video of my speech recorded by my mother.

At the end of the night, over $350,000 was raised for Texas nursing scholarships and faculty.  I was very inspired by the event and it reminded me of how important nursing is.  It made me proud to be a nurse.  Here is a video made by Texas Tech nursing students that was shown at the end of the night.  Using posters, the students wrote what inspired them to be a nurse.  One of my favorites is "I changed my major five times- premed, education, theology, psychology, arts... I became a NURSE to fulfill all my dreams!"  

song: Ready for Anything by Landon Austin