How Much Does NANMT Mean to You?

by J. Jamie Listebarger, RN, BSN, MT

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

In 2000 when I became president of NANMT I wrote an article in the spring newsletter to our membership. At that time I noted that our professional organization had been experiencing some difficulties. However, despite the organizational issues that we faced, we remained committed to continue the NANMT mission… to advance the specialty nursing practice of Nurse Massage Therapy.

Today, NANMT is again at a crossroad. We have a new Board of Directors including President Judy Dean RN, DSc., NCTMB, CHt. NANMT founder and stalwart Andy Bernay-Roman RN, MS, LMT is our Secretary/Treasurer. In a short period of time since this board has commenced, we’ve made significant progress in some very critical areas.

After approximately twenty years of struggling to obtain dual professional liability insurance (nursing and massage therapy), President Dean has done some magic! She recently was able to secure dual liability insurance as an option for our members. Also, we now have online continuing education opportunities that will simultaneously provide CE credit for both nursing and massage therapy.

While some people might choose to believe that NANMT is again struggling to keep our organization alive, the truth of the matter is that it’s an ongoing challenge for most small, volunteer- run organizations to maintain their momentum. Despite very positive recent developments, NANMT depends almost entirely on volunteers to further its mission. Historically, too few NANMT members have tried to do too much for too long. We can change that, though, by having more members contribute to the activities of our professional organization.

In an effort to approach our organizational challenges in a solution oriented manner, here’s some concrete examples of things you can do help NANMT grow…

  1. Renew or begin your membership with NANMT! On March 1st, NANMT will begin processing new and renewing memberships. You can sign up on the NANMT website. For those who are former members, I strongly encourage you to consider rejoining us at this time. Like all professional organizations, NANMT needs the financial support of its members to cover the basic costs of doing business so that we can do the work of promoting Nurse Massage Therapy practice.
  2. Volunteer to move NANMT forward! There are Board of Director positions available where you can make a real difference. Currently, these include Secretary and Treasurer. We would also benefit from having a Webmaster. Another option is to be involved with a special project that has a specific focus for a limited period of time.
  3. Network! Let other people know about NANMT! Tell other nurse massage therapists about NANMT and our membership benefits. Educate the general rank of nurses and other healthcare providers so that they know about us. Let potentially interested corporate supporters know that we exist. We can make a difference in the lives of our members, our clients/patients and our healthcare system!
  4. If you’re able, consider making a charitable contribution to NANMT. A monetary donation at this time would help us cover some of our operating expenses, which I might add, are very lean. Everything reasonably possible is being done by volunteers.

As we move forward, let me remind you that NANMT is the only professional organization established to support and promote the activities of Nurse Massage Therapists. Since 1992, NANMT has been officially recognized as a specialty organization specifically for Nurse Massage Therapists. NANMT is a member of the Nursing Organizations Alliance (NOA) which provides a forum for the discussion of professional healthcare policy issues of common concern to national nursing specialty organizations.

From my own perspective, I find that being a member of NANMT lends a great deal of credibility to my professional practice. Other healthcare providers and insurance companies take notice when they learn that Nurse Massage Therapists have an official nursing specialty organization. Additionally, it lends legitimacy to us professionally when we have our own Standards of Practice.

I truly believe that we all have significant contributions that we can make to NANMT. Whether large or small.... whether they consist of our membership dollars or volunteering our time and expertise. They ALL count and they are ALL important.

As you consider contributing to NANMT in some way, keep in mind the words of noted anthropologist Margaret Mead who once wisely stated,

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world, indeed it's the only thing that ever has."

As a professional specialty nursing organization NANMT has already had an impact on contemporary heath care. As our organization continues to grow and evolve we will continue the process of changing the world of healthcare. However, we can’t do this without you!

So whether you’re a long time member or you just found out about NANMT, join us in our efforts to change healthcare as we know it!

With warm regards,

J. Jamie Listebarger, RN, BSN, MT
NANMT Vice President