This year marks the 100^th anniversary of Georgia Nurses Association. The celebration was elaborate at the convention in Savannah.

Here in Augusta, the association has been alive since 1912 - 95 years.  The Charter identifies 17 nurses who started the Graduate Nurses Association of Augusta, 15 of which became charter members of the District of Georgia Nurses Association.  Retired past member Ruth Jump made extensive notes on our history and it is extremely fascinating to read.

There were two stated purposes of the District: one was to promote fellowship among Augusta’s nurses (they had a Visit Sick Nurses Committee designated out of concern for the ill nurses), the second purpose was to interest more area nurses in the work of the state association.  Local nurses supported the state association as early as 1907 by holding office and membership.  The state issues were the conditions of the Alms Houses, Tuberculoses camps and District Nursing.  At the first business meeting annual dues of one dollar was established but, because the 1913 state meeting was to be held here, a tax of $2 was levied on each member to cover expenses.  By March 1913 the treasurer held $155 for association needs.

There have been a lot of changes in the past century.  The District has helped the state through two world wars and multiple ravaging diseases.  Our name has changed 3 times and our membership has grown to nearly 350 and covers multiple counties.  But our mission remains basically the same:  To promote excellence in nursing through: Collegial support, Education and Recognition.

We are moving now firmly into a new century.  Nurses are moving into many areas of health care and need support from their colleagues.  Is it time to look at new ways to meet our nurses’ needs?  Our meetings have always had a core of supporters who come for the socialization.  But are there new ways to reach out and let nurses know that the organization is there, has been there for a century, ready to support and encourage professional growth?  I hope that however we change with the times we can maintain our basic purpose, to support each other as we support the health care needs of our community.

Let’s work together to keep OUR nursing community a strong force in the region.