The Greater Kansas City Chapter of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses has previously announced the “Show Me…We Care” campaign to recognize the efforts of Joplin nurses during and after their devastating tornado on May 22, 2011. 

 The Chapter supported 12 Joplin nurses to attend the Chapter’s annual Visions Conference located at the Ritz Charles in Overland Park, Kansas on March 8 and 9, 2012.  On Friday March 9, four of these nurses shared their stories of courage and strength in supporting their hospitalized patients and needs of their community during and after the devastating tornado on May 22, 2011.   Everyone in attendance was awed by their stories of bravery and was amazed by the capability of these nurses to continue to care for patients while their own homes and families were affected by this disaster.   

On January 24th, 2012, the "Mechanical Ventilation" class was well attended and Lynelle Pierce did a dynamite job of presenting.  What also left a long lasting impression was the almost $200 the 38 participants contributed as a class towards the "Show Me, We Care" Reaching Out to Joplin Nurses Fundraising Campaign.  Thank you, class, for your generous donation. 

If you haven't heard about Greater Kansas City AACN Chapter's fundraising campaign, visit the Help Joplin! page to learn more about how you could help send 5 progressive and critical care nurses from St. John's Hospital in Joplin, Missouri to an all-expenses paid trip to 2012 NTI in May.  All the new knowledge, energy, excitement, and empowerment experienced at NTI will be rejuvenating for the nurses after a devastating and difficult year rebuilding their town, lives, and hospital.   

After the EF5 tornado hit Joplin, Missouri on May 22nd, 2011, many of us probably shared the same desire to help not only the Joplin community, but also to find a way to help our fellow nursing colleagues who selflessly cared for those in need, despite their own personal experiences with the devastation.

The Greater Kansas City Chapter wishes to recognize and honor these nursing heroes by sending several St. John’s Hospital critical care and progressive care nurses to the AACN National Teaching Institute (NTI) in Orlando, Florida May 20-24, 2012. By attending NTI, we hope these nurses will be uplifted, rejuvenated, and empowered to continue with their important work.  Nominations are being accepted in Joplin and the selection process will be handled through the GKCC Board.  Announcements will be made at the next 2012 Visions Symposium in Overland Park, Kansas.

Our Chapter has already pledged $5,000 towards this effort.  We are presenting a challenge to individuals, other Missouri AACN Chapters, and all regional critical care and progressive care units to match our pledge with another $5,000 for a total of $10,000 in funds!  We appreciate your efforts in getting the word out.

To donate, please visit the Chapter website (www.aacngkcc.org) “Help Joplin” tab.  Donations can be made securely online via PayPal or via check or money order to the Chapter’s mailing address: PO Box 10113, Kansas City, MO 64171.  Donations are being accepted through Friday, March 9th, 2012.   Visit our website frequently to find out about our progress!