HISTORY

Prior to 1976, the professional organization was known as the Native American Nurses Association.  In 1976, the name of the organization was changed to American Indian/Alaska Native Nurses Association.  Ten years later this organization disbanded.

The Sun Valley Chapter of the American Indian Nurses Association reorganized and established its own and is currently known as the Native American Nurses Association (NANA).

  
 

MISSION

To promote, mentor, and support Native American nurses and those serving Native people by enhancing cultural professional nursing practice thereby improving the well being of our communities.

PHILOSOPHY

Seeing the disparity in health status and health care delivery services between the Indian people and the Non-Indian society, the Native American Nurses Association find it wise to come together to promote the optimal level of health status for the Indian people.

In striving for optimal level of health for Indian people, the Native American Nurses emulate the World Health Organization’s definition of health “…a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

GOALS

  • Assist in recruiting Native American students into the health profession.
  • Advocate for disease prevention and health promotion when appropriate.
  • Serve as an advisory to health care providers.
  • Develop awareness of the true history and cultural differences of the Indian people.
  • Disseminate relevant information on Indian cultural heritage and contemporary lifestyles.
  • Promote and support research studies of American Indian in health care issues, nursing, and nursing education.
  • Assist and encourage Indian consumers to advocate for optimal level of health care.

ACTIVITIES

  • Monthly meetings
  • Fund-raising events
  • Continuing education
  • Recruitment
  • Annual Educational Conference
  • Participation in the Native American Recognition Days
  • Representation of the Association when requested
  

SPONSORS OF:

  • Indian families at Thanksgiving and Christmas, urban & rural.
  • Monetary donations to selected charities.
  • Recognition of New Year’s Baby at the Phoenix Indian Medical Center (PIMC).
  • Nursing students.
  • Scholarships