In December, 1996 a group of men and women
involved in the Hillman Scholar programs
gathered to discuss what could be done
to help nursing in these times of changing
health care. More specifically, ways of
supporting Hillman Scholars in New York
City upon their graduation. They discussed
a three pronged approach to promoting exemplary
nursing care, including the formation of
the Hillman Alumni Nursing Network, participation
in a quality of care/patient outcome study
being conducted in Philadelphia, and the
creation of long distance learning initiatives
and continuing educational opportunities
for bedside nurses.
The first prong of this approach, the
Hillman Alumni Nursing Network, was established
in January 1996, with the formation of
a steering committee. The committee drafted
a proposal outlining the Network's purpose:
to work with fellow alumni to maintain
and improve patient care through networking,
educational opportunities, and media
support. The committee's hope was that
these endeavors coupled with the mentoring
and nurturing of colleagues, would aid
in empowering nurses in these times of
change and uncertainty. Specific objectives
and ideas for implementation were presented
to the Alex Hillman Family Foundation
board. Thanks to the generosity of their
funding the Network has begun to initiate
some of the objectives listed in the
mission statement. We look forward to
your involvement in this ongoing project.
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