The North Dakota Nurses Association is involved in many issues, programs and campaigns that impact nurses and the profession of nursing. Association activities are frequently organized around the framework of Nursing Practice, Nursing Education, Nursing Research and Legislative and Policy Issues.

Legislative & Policy
The North Dakota Legislature meets biennially and the next session begins in January, 2007. To check on Interim Legislative Studies, visit the state legislative website listed below. To check on Federal Legislation and national bills of interest to the nursing profession, visit the ANA -related legislative website listed below.

- North Dakota Interim Legislative Information
- Updates on Federal Legislation of Interest to Nursing Community

Nursing Practice
Adequate nurse staffing is critical to the delivery of quality patient care. Identifying and maintaining the appropriate number and mix of nursing staff is a problem experienced by nurses at every level in all settings. The NDNA Nursing Practice Council Leadership Team is searching the literature and will be disseminating information on this critical issue to NDNA members throughout 2006. Visit the website listed below to review ANA 's Principles of Nurse Staffing.

 - ANA Principles of Nurse Staffing

Health Care Without Harm (HCWH) is an international coalition of more than 400 organizations in 52 countries working to transform the health care industry so it no longer is a source of harm to people or the environment. HCWH work on mercury began in the United States with mercury thermometer exchange campaigns and related efforts to foster local and state legislation. To learn more about Mercury Free Health Care, visit the website listed below.

- Mercury Free Health Care
- Health Care Without Harm

Nursing Education
The American Nurses Credentialing Center ( ANCC ) accredits approvers and providers of continuing education for registered nurses. The North Dakota Nurses Association is the only ANCC accredited provider of continuing education for nurses in North Dakota . ANCC is also the credentialing body for specialty nursing practice, including advanced practice. For information about ANCC credentialing, visit the website listed below.

- Nursing Continuing Education: Paririe Rose

- ANCC Credentialing Information

Health Literacy is the ability to read, understand and act on health care information. Patients with poor health literacy skills struggle to understand basic medical forms and instructions. The NDNA Nursing Education Council Leadership Team is searching the literature and will be disseminating information on health literacy to NDNA members throughout 2006. The website listed below provides information on health literacy issues for health educators and anyone interested in teaching health to people with limited literacy.

- National Institute for Literacy

Nursing Research
With an increasing emphasis on the shortage of nursing staff, as well as the average age of nurses, the issue of fatigue and patient safety is gaining interest in the health care community. The NDNA Nursing Research Council Leadership Team is searching the literature and will be disseminating information on this topic to NDNA members throughout 2006. To read the Advisory Opinion Related to Fatigue and Patient Safety issued by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, visit the website below.

- Patient Safety: Fatigue, Stress and Work Schedule Effects.