History
“Nurses Helping Nurses” is a program whose mission is to help Hispanic foreign educated nurses in their quest for their Registered Nurse (RN) license. This program began when Jacqueline C. Perry, RN, BSN, President of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) – Houston Chapter, stopped at a popular fast food restaurant for a cup of coffee. While waiting for her order, one of the employees initiated a conversation inquiring of the current status of RN’s in Houston. Jackie shared that a major nursing crisis existed in the health care system locally, as well as nationally. During their conversation, Jackie learned the employee was one of many Hispanic foreign educated nurses who were struggling in the bureaucratic maze in their attempts to become licensed in the U.S. This struck Jackie as a major challenge that needed to be addressed. She shared her experience with the NAHN – Houston Chapter. On September 23, 2001, an open house was held with the purpose of providing information to Hispanic Foreign nurses on the process necessary to get their license. However, those participating looked and acted lost. The planners of the open house realized more research on the process was necessary. During this experience, much was learned. Paramount was that this was not going to be an easy task. Information such as: 1) the needs of the nurses were quite diverse as each faced a different obstacle; 2) financial help; 3) translations of the required education and Texas State Board regulation materials; 4) English speaking classes; 5) the development of research instruments to gather and maintain information on the program, and finally; 6) help from community organizations would be necessary. Thus, “Nurses Helping Nurses” Program was born.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PROGRAM.
Mission Statement
The mission of NAHN – Houston Chapter’s “Nurses Helping Nurses” program is to recruit and mentor foreign educated Hispanic nurses through the process of obtaining their license. This is to be accomplished with the coordinating efforts of community colleagues and organizations that are committed in assisting NAHN in this mission. Concomitantly, this will help to generate Hispanic nurses into current health care crisis. After download, open the document using Microsoft Word and print the document. Then mail the questionnaire to the address bellow: Houston Chapter – NAHN Questionnaire P.O. Box 355 Tomball, TX: 77377-0355
