Resource Specialist Program

During the September 2005 General Assembly, President-elect Nancy Bonalumi, RN, MS, CEN, outlined a new framework for increasing member involvement in the work of our Association. At that time it was labeled as the Volunteer Member Expert program. Based on subsequent feedback, it will now be referred to as the Resource Specialist Program. Over the past several months Board members and staff have been working diligently to finalize program details and prepare for implementation. It is my pleasure to announce that the program will be up and running soon.

Why Resource Specialists Are Needed
With more than 28,000 members, ENA has a tremendous reservoir of talent and expertise. Many of you have had the opportunity to play significant roles in our success. Unfortunately every year the number of applicants for committee slots far exceeds the number of slots available. Meanwhile, the national office is frequently put in the position of scrambling to locate members with expertise in various areas for media opportunities, liaison assignments, and/or participation in short-term project work. The Resource Specialist Program addresses these and other concerns.

Program Mechanics
Effective immediately, ENA is developing a comprehensive database of members interested in playing roles on the national level. Members will utilize an online application process to indicate their interest in up to three specific categories. Accompanying is a list of initial Resource Specialist categories. We anticipate this list will expand during the coming months and years as new needs are identified. Applications to become a Resource Specialist may be received at any time. However, we anticipate at least several times a year there will be specific calls for specialists with expertise in a given area. Once the database is established, the Board and staff will reference applications to tap members for a variety of assignments. Assignments will be tailored to an individual’s strengths. Some members may want to focus more on writing assignments, others on public speaking opportunities, and others still in brainstorming new ideas relative to a specific education program. Rather than being limited to a one- or two-year term, Resource Specialists may remain active in the database indefinitely. At any time members can elect to change the categories of interest that they want to be associated with. At the end of each year Resource Specialists will be asked to renew their interest in the program. After three years of service, they will be asked to complete a more in-depth reapplication process to assure that their profiles include the most current credentials, experience, expertise, etc.

Building on the Success of Others
ENA is by no means the first association moving along this path. Several large nursing associations have similar programs to increase member involvement. For example, the American Association of Critical Care Nurses implemented their program just a few years ago. Prior to program implementation, between 300 and 400 AACN members applied for committee slots. There are now 1,400 members in their equivalent to a Resource Specialist database, with members associated with one or more categories of interest. During this past year, approximately 1,600 invitations were issued to database members to apply for participation in various initiatives. As a result, more than 300 volunteers actually participated in one capacity or another – far more than previously had served as committee members. AACN staff indicate the program is working, the Board is satisfied, and that member interest appears to be continually growing. We anticipate similar results at ENA and will continually benchmark/learn from their experiences as we move forward.

The Bottom Line
ENA has an exciting, yet very aggressive strategic plan to implement in 2006 and beyond. The only way we can be successful is to tap in more to the expertise and time of our members. We are convinced that the Resource Specialist program is critical in this regard. We have no doubt that the program will evolve over time, and that there may be some hiccups along the way. Please let your Board members and myself know how you perceive it working and any improvements you have to offer. We look forward to hearing from you and taking the necessary steps to make the program successful.