The group’s newly elected president, Lee Castro, said their association was founded in 1985, but has remained inactive until their meeting on Saturday.
“We now have 75 individuals who paid the membership fee,” Castro told Variety.
In consideration of the many challenges facing CNMI nurses, the group waived its registration fee of $25 and collects a membership fee of $50.
“The fee is minimal and we will be using this fund in providing members the needed help and assistance that they will need such as training and supplies,” Castro said.
Most of the 75 members are working at the Commonwealth Health Center while 12 are employed by private clinics.
Castro said they aim to update CNMI nurses with current standards and trends to enhance their capabilities.
He said they will put up a Web site where information for members can be posted.
“It is our mission to specifically update our nurses about continuing education,” Castro said. “It’s a common observation at CHC that there are nurses who really want to help their doctors but are prevented due to their lack of training, information and certification. By updating the knowledge of our nurses, it will also help our doctors.”
Castro said five members of the association will be attending the American-Pacific Nurse Leaders Council conference on June 16-20 on Guam.
The same event will be hosted by Saipan next year.
