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The New Jersey Collaborating Center for
Nursing (“NJCCN”)
“I CARE
ABOUT NURSING” VOLUNTEER PROGRAM ORIENTATION
Welcome
and Thank you for your interest in volunteering your time, expertise, and
professionalism to promote nursing and health in our community.
Volunteers have always been the center of the “I Care About Nursing” (ICAN)
program. ICAN began with a group of dedicated volunteers and it will
take volunteers like you to continue to keep this initiative moving
forward. Through your volunteerism you will help us achieve continued
success.
The orientation process is simple. You should be
able to complete it in less than thirty minutes.
Please read the following information and return
the required documents.
- Orientation document
- Complete the Volunteer Information Form
- Statement of Professionalism
- Photo/Video Release
Return the required forms to:
Franklin Montero
Program Coordinator
The New Jersey
Collaborating Center for Nursing
75 Halsey Street
Newark, New Jersey 07102
What is the NJCCN?
The New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing (NJCCN) was
established through a public/private partnership between the State of
New Jersey and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (www.RWJF.org). The
Center is a future-oriented research and development organization that
will develop and disseminate objective information and provide an
ongoing strategy for the allocation of State resources toward the
nursing workforce. The Governor signed the bill on December 2, 2002
(without appropriation) and a grant was received from the Robert Wood
Johnson Foundation on January 1, 2003. Subsequent funding was provided
with State funds for fiscal years 2003, 2004, and 2005.
The Center is guided by a 17-member Board appointed by the Governor
and leaders of the Legislature, based on recommendations from members of
the Collaborative formed during the Colleagues in Caring project.
The Center is housed in the College of Nursing on the Newark Campus
of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.
MISSION
To assure the best possible nursing care for New Jersey State residents.
The New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing serves as a
future-oriented research and development organization that will develop
and disseminate objective information and provide an ongoing strategy
for the allocation of State resources directed towards the nursing work
force (P.L. 2002, c116).
VISION
The New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing is a primary source for
data-based evidence to formulate reliable health policy that has a
positive impact on nursing care, nursing education, and patient
outcomes. The Center serves as a catalyst for the implementation of
innovative practice and education models.
What is the
ICAN Program?
ICAN is a nurse volunteer program that strives to
connect experienced nurses, nursing students and retired nurses with
their community, in exploring nursing career opportunities and
advancements. Becoming a member of the ICAN team will provide you with
an opportunity to educate children, teenagers, and adults about nursing
occupations and nursing career advancement. You can let everyone know
you care about the future of nursing and the health of your community by
becoming a member. One person can make a difference. You can help
impact the health and wellness of the community by joining the ICAN
team.
ICAN was conceived in the summer of 2004 out of the Nurse Workforce
Solution Project, which was coordinated by the Atlantic Cape May
Workforce WIB and funded through a grant by the New Jersey Health
Initiative of the RWJ Foundation. This program
is now under the oversight of NJCCN.
MEMBERSHIP
Membership in the ICAN program includes currently
practicing and/or licensed nurses, student nurses and retired nurses.
MISSION
Enhance knowledge about Nursing and educational opportunities, nurture
nursing careers leading to a decrease in the nursing workforce shortage
and positively impact the health literacy of our community.
PURPOSE
The ICAN program is a nurse founded, nurse
participant volunteer endeavor to promote and support nursing careers
and positively influence the health of the community.
- Members serve as community and organizational
resources supplying structured information regarding nursing
careers, educational opportunities, career advancement and avenues
for career success.
- Provide information regarding health literacy
throughout the community.
- Design programs based on age appropriate
learning theories providing for a variety of teaching modalities to
engage diverse populations.
- Enhance avenues of support for potential and
current nursing students as well as volunteers.
VISION
Expand throughout entire State of New Jersey and be
recognized as one of the “best practice” models in the promotion and
support of Nursing careers and health literacy.
There are many volunteer opportunities available.
Volunteer opportunities include:
- School activities
- Elementary schools
- Middle schools
- Public Speaking Events
- Community organizations
- Community information sessions
- Career Fairs
- Faith based programs
- Mentoring individuals who are interested in
pursuing Nursing careers, student nurses, or nurses who are looking
to advance their career.
- Activity planning and design
How to Become
a Volunteer
You’ve already started!!!
By completing the information portion of the ICAN
brochure or contacting one of the staff listed you have begun your
journey to becoming an ICAN member. You are already more than half way
through the orientation process.
- Complete reading the orientation packet, and
return the required forms (contact information form, statement of
professionalism, photo/video release).
- You will be invited to an annual open meeting
for all ICAN volunteers.
- You will receive notification and additional
information regarding the types of volunteer services you would like
to participate with. You will also be sent dates and information for
upcoming events.
How to
Participate in Activities
- All ICAN members will receive notification of
community events that the NJCCN is scheduled to participate in.
Examples include – career fairs, school programs, after school and
community events, college programs, etc. Our community partners will
alert us to activities and events they are working on so that you
will be kept up to date with what is happening in our communities.
- If you find an event you would like to
participate in – contact the NJCCN staff - participants will be
selected on a first come basis.
- If you know of an event that’s not listed –
contact the NJCCN staff. (ICAN certificates for participation will
be given for events approved through the NJCCN staff).
- All equipment, games and supplies will be
stored with NJCCN staff or their designees. Dates and locations for
pick up and drop off will be discussed when you agree to volunteer
for an activity. We will try to make this as easy as we can to
accommodate your time.
- Scheduled activities will also be listed on
the NJCCN website – http://www.njccn.org
Expectations
- Image is everything and we want to project a
very professional image at all times. It is important to dress
appropriately for the event. ICAN buttons will be distributed and we
request that they be worn when you are participating in an event.
- It is important to follow the outlined
activities. We have instructions/guidelines which we will provide
you with prior to your event. If you have suggestions for new
activities please let us know – we really can use your help (you
will be recognized for developing an activity).
- Activities are structured to provide age and
culturally appropriate information. In the K-12 sessions we
integrate NJ Core Curriculum Standards including school to work
information. We work closely with the educators in tailoring the
programs to meet their curriculum needs. As nurses and advocates
for healthy communities, we are also interested in infusing age
appropriate health literacy for all populations.
- An Evaluation form needs to be completed for
each event. It is the volunteer’s responsibility to have the form
completed by the teacher/director of the program overseeing the
community activity prior to leaving the event. This will be turned
into the NJCCN staff/designee along with any activity/game pieces,
or may be returned by mail (if no other materials need to be
returned).
- If you are volunteering in the role of a
tutor, mentor, or are in a job shadowing capacity – you will receive
additional information to assist you with those roles.
- This is the time to help make nursing shine.
Stories are a great way to teach and encourage so use your greatest
moments and or appropriate humor. It's best to avoid the "worst day
in the life of a nurse" story.
- Attendance at meetings is strongly
encouraged. Your input is valued and we need your support. If you
would like to document ICAN as a volunteer effort for your
professional portfolio you will be required to attend a minimum of
two meetings per year, and volunteer a minimum of five hours per
year. The year will begin January 1st and end December 31st.
Recognition &
Benefits
Being part of this collaborative can provide you
with a great deal of personal satisfaction. Additionally, you will be
afforded the following:
- Certificate of Participation. After materials
are returned including the evaluation form you will be sent a
certificate indicating your participation in the event. The
certificate will list the date type of activity and hours.
- There will be an annual recognition for Nurse
Volunteers.
- We will also recognize outstanding Nurse
Volunteers.
- Receive an ICAN button.
- After completing your first five hours of
service, you will receive an “ICAN” lapel pin.
- Members will receive Quarterly news updates.
- Volunteers will be awarded contact hours: two
contact hours will be awarded for attending the orientation, and two
contact hours will be awarded for each volunteer activity
completed.
NJCCN Staff:
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