In the spring of 2020 members voted for the new regional name of Rainier Olympic Nurses Association (RONA) as the result of WSNAs decision to create larger regions within the state. The proposed name is based on the two mountain peaks in our region, Mount Rainier and Mount Olympus. These two mountains are unmistakable features in the environment and represent the qualities of being ever-present and unwavering. They stand with a watchful eye over the area, much like a nurse maintains a watchful, unwavering eye over those charged with their care.
Nursing and the environment are intertwined. The environment is a core tenet of Florence Nightingale’s theoretical foundations of patient care. The nurse uses environment-specific tools, skillsets, and experience to deliver care, convey a concept or advocate for patients and communities.
To navigate through the landscapes and mountains of the Pacific Northwest and RONA region, a compass is an essential tool that helps the individual stay oriented, navigate challenges and reach their chosen destination with clarity and safety. The name Compass was chosen for our new online newsletter, to symbolize the same steady orienting of a compass: informed decision-making, ethical grounding, commitment to patient-oriented care, and contextualized care (the importance of looking beyond the individual to the social environment in which they live). And in life, a compass can remind us that, even in times of uncertainty, we can always orient ourselves towards purpose, connection, and community.
The Compass Newsletter intends to serve as your guide. Your Compass Newsletter offers updates and announcements on educational opportunities, links to articles, and applications for scholarships, Nurse of the Year, volunteer opportunities, fundraising events, and community gatherings. The Compass also offers insights to help every nurse in our region to know they are supported, encouraged, and empowered.