Hello All,

My name is Jessica C. Melendez, and I am writing on behalf of an amazing RN named Sarah L. Spence. Sarah L. Spence has been denied of receiving a Georgia State Nursing License due to Code Section 43-26-3, which was effective on May of 2011. However, she initially applied in February of 2010. Basically, the Code states she is ineligble due to attending nursing school in another country. Below is a copy of the letter sent to Georgia State Officials, Georgia's Nursing Board, and American Nurses Association.

Special Thanks to all of you...

The request for this letter is to declare a reason of intent to amend/waiver/grandfather clause this rule based on her individual case. Sarah’s nursing experience, nursing professionalism/practice/credibility, and care giving integrity outweighs this law. She earned her nursing degree in Derby, England in 1989, and worked as floor nurse in Derbyshire Royal Infirmary for three years. She then took the NCLEX (National Council Licensing Examination) in 1991 and acquired an RN license in California, Florida, and Louisiana. In 1993, she was a Charge Nurse for one of the most prominent hospitals in Baton Rouge, LA (Baton Rouge General Hospital.) After three years as Charge Nurse, she was offered an Assistant Director of Nursing with Johnson’s Home Health in Kenner, LA. Her heartwarming commitment kept her in home health for five years, but was then asked for her return to Baton Rouge General Hospital as House Supervisor in 2000. After one year as House Supervisor, she missed direct patient care and started as Emergency Department staff at West Jefferson Medical Center (Marrero, LA) in 2001. While at West Jefferson Medical Center, she attained ED-Clinician and Flight Nurse credibility and advanced skills. She is certified in Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Trauma Nurse Core Curriculum (TNCC), Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP), Pediatrics Advanced Life Support (PALS), and is currently RN licensed in Louisiana.

From February 2010 to August 2011, I had the privilege of learning from Sarah. She temporarily moved back to Louisiana to continue her livelihood, while awaiting her Georgia Nursing License. She re-graced Louisiana with her exemplary nursing leadership, skills and passionate patient care. It was then, during many healthcare changes, where nurse shortages and “burnout” headlined the news, and where lessons on “critical thinking” and “compassion” were made a part of continuing education courses…I was fortunate to have Sarah as my mentor, she reminded me on why I became a nurse. She taught me to take PRIDE with my nursing practice when caring for my patients.

Eventhough she professionally experienced true natural disaster, detrimental trauma, and disheartening acute/chronic health issues through the years…her positive nursing leadership continues to inspire others. She continually demonstrates patient advocacy, and an outstanding work ethic towards the nursing profession, which would be an asset to the Georgia nursing workforce. Therefore, I am writing on her behalf because I believe there is no other RN like her. She is truly one of the best.

During a time of nursing shortage, with new nurses entering hospital departments, experienced nurses are crucial assets to training.

Please consider this request as a reason of intent to amend/waiver/grandfather clause this rule based on her individual case. 

Respectfully,

Jessica C. Melendez, ED-RN, Member of ANA, ENA, and AACN

 

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