North Central Region

 

Bylaws and Operations Manual

 

Revised 11/1997, 6/1999, 6/2004, 6/2006, 6/2008

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Section I     Philosophy of the WOCN Society                      Scope of Practice	Page 2
Section II    History of NCR	Page 3
Section III             Article I       Name             Article II      Philosophy, Purpose,  Goals &                                    Code of Ethics    Bylaws             Article III       Membership             Article IV       Meetings             Article V        Officers             Article VI.     Board of Directors             Article VII     Committees             Article VIII   Nominations             Article IX      Elections             Article X        Dues             Article XI      Fiscal Year             Article XII    Organizational Structure             Article XIII  Dissolution             Article XIV  Parliamentary Authority             Article XV   Amendments	Page 4 Page 5-6     Page 6-8 Page 8-9 Page 9 -11 Page 12 – 14 Page 14 – 15 Page 15 – 16 Page 16 - 17 Page 17 Page 18 Page 18 Page 19 Page 19  Page 19
Section  IV        Job Descriptions             Article I.         President             Article II         President-Elect             Article III       Secretary             Article IV        Treasurer             Article V         State Representatives             Article VI        Professional/Clinical                                     Practice Chairperson             Article VII      Immediate Past President             Article VIII     Newsletter Editor	Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25   Page 25 Page 26

 

 

 

 

Section I

Philosophy of the WOCN Society:

 

The Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses’ Society-An Association of ET Nurses (WOCN) believes that WOC nursing is a specialty area of practice within the framework of nursing and as such endorses the rendering of health care for all individuals.  Nursing is defined as “the diagnosis and treatment of human responses to actual or potential health problems.”  Thus, nursing as a profession renders health care services to a multifaceted society and includes prevention, health maintenance, therapeutic intervention, and rehabilitation.

Because of the constantly changing scientific base, research and continuing education are the sine qua non (indispensable condition or thing) of current, comprehensive nursing practice.  The WOCN believes that the advancement of the nursing profession can be achieved be integrating the didactic and clinical components of the discipline.  Learning may occur on a basic, advanced, and continuing education level and couples the acquisition of theoretical knowledge, observation, and experience.  Hence, the WOCN endorses, provides, and approves quality continuing education units for nurses and other professionals in order to facilitate ever-improving WOC Nursing practice.

 Furthermore, the WOCN is concerned about the advancement and promotion of health care and improvement of nursing practice with an emphasis on WOC Nursing.  Hence, the WOCN subscribes to the philosophy that all persons with abdominal stomas, fistulae, draining wounds, incontinence and dermal ulcers have the need for care and expertise and the right to benefit from those services.

 

By a process of accreditation and certification, the WOCN provides high standards of education and endorses a baccalaureate degree with a nursing major for entry into the profession.  As such, the WOCN provides Standards of Care/Guidelines for Management to foster quality patient care.  The purpose of the WOCN is the promotion of education for patients, nurses, physicians and other allied health care professionals in the bio-psycho-social and sexual rehabilitation of persons with abdominal stomas, fistulae, draining wounds, incontinence and dermal ulcers.

 

Scope of Practice

A WOC Nurse provides acute and rehabilitative care for people with select disorders of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and integumentary systems.  The WOC Nurse provides direct patient care to persons with abdominal stomas, wounds, fistulae, drains, pressure sores, and incontinence. As an educator, consultant, researcher, and administrator the WOC Nurse plays a pivotal role in the guidance of optimum patient care.

                                                                               

 

Section II

History of the North Central Region of the WOCN

 

The NCR was formally organized on October 26, 1975.  In that year, by-laws were formalized and affiliation with the International Association for Enterostomal Therapy (IAET) was completed.  NCR News was begun.  The original membership at the end of that first year consisted of 22, with minimal funds available to initiate any endeavors.  Approximately 70% of the membership attended meetings.  Official affiliation with the IAET was February 29, 1976, and the initial officers were:

 

            Arlene Wentworth – President

            Bonnie Rolstad – Vice President

            Lois Wendorf – Secretary and Editor of NCR News

            Eileen Keuhl – Treasurer

 

Dues at this time were $10.00 for the region.  Fourteen continuing education programs were held.

In 1978, there were 30 possible members in the region.  Stationary and logos and NCR buttons were developed.  The UOA and NCR co-sponsored a seminar for their ostomate members.  The NCR News was being printed every two months and the NCR booth was just being developed.

In 1979, there were two positions established for medical advisors.  Thirty-two members were participating in the region’s affairs.

Position descriptions were established in the following year, while membership increased to 39.

In 1981, the Research Committee was added.

In 1982, membership had grown to 57 and an Operational Manual was being considered for development.

In 1990, the membership of the NCR was 115.  Of these, there are 102 active members, 10 associate, 1 retired, 1 honorary, and 1 honorary life.

In 1992, the name of the IAET was changed to WOCN.

In 2005, the membership of the NCR was 216. 

 

 Section III

Articles of Association Of

The North Central Region, a Division of the WOCN, Inc.

 

ARTICLE I-NAME

 

The name of this region shall be the North Central, A division of the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society-An Association of ET Nurses, Incorporated.

 

ARTICLE II-PHILOSOPHY, PURPOSE, GOALS, CODE OF ETHICS

 

Section 1-Philosophy

 

NCR’s philosophy will correspond with WOCN’s in all areas appropriate to the regions’ operations.

 

Section 2-Purpose

 

The NCR shall foster high standards of practice relating to the care, teaching, and rehabilitation of persons requiring the management of ostomies, abdominal fistulae, draining wounds, incontinence and dermal ulcers and promote the professional and educational advancement and welfare of the NCR members in order to facilitate the practice of wound, ostomy and continence nursing. Therefore, persons in need of these services shall have the opportunity for optimal care and rehabilitation.  Wound ostomy and continence nursing is a specialty area of practice within the framework of nursing and as such participates and collaborates with multidisciplinary organizations.

 

Section 3-Goals

 

The NCR will continue to strive toward excellence by:

 

a.   Provision for the continuing professional education and development for the NCR member.

 

b.   Presentation of wound, ostomy and continence nursing to the public, to allied health             professionals, to the community, and to governmental groups.

 

c.   Recruitment of nurses interested in pursuing a career in wound, ostomy and continence care             nursing.

 

d.      Future development of the profession and the region through research and long range           planning activities.

e.       Provision of quality continuing education on wound, ostomy and continence nursing to health care providers and consumers which reflect the philosophy of the WOCN and NCR.

 

Section 4-Code of Ethics

 

NCR Code of Ethics will correspond with that of the WOCN.

  

ARTICLE III-MEMBERSHIP

 

Section 1-Classification

 

A member of the North Central Region must have Active or Associate membership in the WOCN.

 

Section 2-Application for Membership

 

Membership is limited to individuals in good standing with the WOCN and whose dues are paid within 30 days of seeking membership.

 

Section 3-Term of Membership

 

The membership year is January 1-December 31.

 

Section 4-General Responsibilities of Members

 

The members of the region shall have the following responsibilities:

 

a.   Recommends a slate of officers to the Nominating Committee for the region.  (Officers are   listed in Article V.)

 

b.      Recommends amendments to the Bylaws of the region and the WOCN.

 

c.   Recommends policy to the WOCN.

 

d.   Recommends a slate of officers to the WOCN and supports them through their term of office.

 

e.   Actively participates in the programs of the region and the WOCN.

 

Section 5-Removal of Members

 

Any member whose conduct is prejudicial to the welfare of the region or WOCN will be reviewed by the Board members of the region and with a 2/3 vote of the members be referred to the WOCN.  The region will abide by the decision of the WOCN.

 

 

Section 6-Resignation of Members

 

Any member may resign by filing a written resignation with the NCR and WOCN, but such resignation shall not relieve the member so resigning of the financial obligations to the NCR.

 

ARTICLE IV-MEETINGS

 

Section 1-Times

 

A meeting of the membership shall be held at least twice per year at such time and place as shall be determined by membership.  Each member shall be notified thereof by written notice at least 30 days prior to the date selected.

 

Section 2-Membership Vote

 

When a vote requiring the entire regional membership, a ballot will be sent to all eligible voters either by electronic and/or standard mail. A decision on all matters will be by a simple majority of the returned vote ignoring blank or incomplete ballots.  The counting of the votes will be by two elected board members.  

Section 3-Special Meetings

 

Special meetings of the region may be called in either of two ways:

      1)   By the President with concurrence of the majority of the officers or,

      2)   By written request of 1/3 of the entire regional membership.

Said request to state exact purpose of such meeting.

The time and place of such special meeting of the membership shall be determined by the President and shall be fixed not later than thirty days after the receipt of a proper request.  At least fifteen days prior to the date fixed for such meeting each member shall be given written notice of the time, place and purpose of such meeting.

 

Section 4-Order of Business

 

The order of business at regional meetings shall be as follows:

1.   Introduction of members

2.   Review and additions to agenda

3.   Review of and adoption of minutes of preceding meetings

4.   Discussion of officer and committee reports

5.   Old and unfinished business

6.   New business

7.   Installation of officers

8.   Special reports and presentations

9.   Adjournment

 

Section 5-Voting

 

Each active member of the region shall have one vote.  There is no voting by proxy.  Associate members do not have voting privileges.

 

 

Article V-OFFICERS

 

Section 1-Composition

 

Officers of this region shall be elected prior to the annual WOCN conference and shall consist of the following: President-elect, Secretary, Treasurer and State Representatives-one each from Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, for a total of four state representatives.

 

Section 2-Qualifications

 

To hold an office a person must be an active member of the WOCN in good standing and have consented to serve.

 

Section 3-Term

 

The president-elect shall be elected for a term of two years. At the completion of this two year term the President-elect shall assume the office of President for an additional two year term.  The secretary, treasurer, and four state representatives shall be elected for a term of two years to serve for not more than two consecutive terms in the same office.

 

Section 4-Order of election

 

In even numbered fiscal years the President-elect, North Dakota and South Dakota State Representatives shall be elected.  In odd numbered fiscal years the Secretary, Treasurer, Minnesota and Wisconsin State representatives shall be elected.  Newly elected officers will be installed at the fall regional meeting

 

Section 5-Vacancy

 

If the office of any officer becomes vacant, the Board of Directors shall appoint a person to fill such vacancy who shall serve until the election and qualification of his/her successor.

 

Section 6-Removal

 

Any officer may be removed from office by appropriate resolution approved by a 2/3 vote of the Board of Directors

 

 

Section 7-President’s Duties

 

The President’s duties shall be to perform the duties as listed in the President’s Position Description for the North Central Region.

 

Section 8-President-Elect’s Duties

 

The president-elect’s duties shall be to perform the duties as listed in the President-elect Position Description for the North Central Region.

  

Section 9-Secretary’s Duties

 

The Secretary’s duties shall be to perform the duties as listed in the Secretary’s Position Description for the North Central Region.

 

Section 10-Treasurer’s Duties

 

The Treasurer’s duties shall be to perform the duties as listed in the Treasurer’s Position Description for the North Central Region.

 

Section 11-State Representative’s Duties

 

The State Representative’s duties shall be to perform the duties as listed in the State Representative’s Position Description for the North Central Region.

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE VI-BOARD OF Directors

 

Section 1-Composition

 

The Board of Directors shall consist of elected and appointed members.

 

Section 2-Time of Election

 

The directors of this region shall be elected by electronic and/or standard mail prior to the annual WOCN conference.

 

Section 3-Qualifications

 

No person shall be elected to the Board of Directors who has not been an active member in good standing prior to election, and who has not consented to serve.

 

Section 4-Term

 

The Directors shall be elected for a term of two years, and no person shall be elected to such office for more than two successive terms.  The President-elect/President position is a four year term, two years in each position.

 

Section 5-Vacancy

 

If the office of a Director shall become vacant, the board of directors shall appoint a person to fill such vacancy who shall serve until the election and qualification of his/her successor.  If this term is less than a year, it shall not be considered a full term and the director may then run for two additional terms.  The President Elect commits to serving the next term as President.  If the office of President Elect becomes vacant, the board of directors shall appoint a person to complete the current term of President-elect and who then will transition into the term of President.

 

Section 6-Removal

 

A Director may be removed from office by appropriate resolution approved by two-thirds (2/3) of the Directors.  Such removal may be voted only upon written charges against said Director filed with the Secretary.  The Secretary shall forthwith mail, by certified mail a copy of such charges to such Director and such director shall have twenty days to respond to said charges before any action shall be taken thereon.

 

Section 7-Powers

 

The Board of Directors shall have control and management of the affairs and business of this region.  The Board of Directors shall only act in the name of the region when it shall be duly convened as herein set forth.  Without limitation upon general powers of the Board of Directors it shall specifically:

 

            a)   establish all administrative policies

            b)   formulate and award all contracts

            c)   authorize the sole and exclusive use of the official insignia of the Association

            d)   create such standing, special and advisory committees as it deems advisable

 

Section 8-Rules

 

The Board of Directors shall make such rules and regulations covering its meetings as it may determine necessary.

 

Section 9-Nominating Committee

 

The State Representatives will serve as the Nominating Committee.

 

Section 10-Quorum

 

The presence of not less than a majority of the Directors shall constitute a quorum and a vote of the majority of such a quorum shall be the decision of the Board of Directors.

 

Section 11-Compensation

 

The board of directors shall serve without compensation. The Board may hire such employees as it shall deem necessary for the conduct of the business of this corporation.  No employee may be a member of the Board of Directors.

 

Section 12 – Meeting by Conference Call

 

Any action to be taken at a meeting of the Board of Directors may be done by using a conference telephone or other communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can communicate with each other.  Participation in such a meeting shall constitute presence in person at the meeting.

 

ARTICLE VII-COMMITTEES

 

Section 1-Appointment

 

All committee chairpersons shall be appointed by the President with approval of the board.  

 

Section 2-Membership Qualifications

 

All committee members shall be active members in good standing of this region.

 

 

Section 3-Term

 

The two-year term of service of each committee member shall terminate with the annual WOCN conference, unless reappointed.

 

Section 4-Committees

 

The standing committees shall be:

            a)   Nominating

      b)   Professional/Clinical Practice

 

Section 6-Additional Committees

 

Additional committees advisable for carrying on the business of this region may be established by the Board of Directors

 

 

ARTICLE VIII-NOMINATIONS

 

Section 1-Nominations- process:

 

Nominations for officers shall be made by the Nominating Committee or any member in good standing.

 

Section 2-Qualifications

 

No person shall be nominated by the Nominating Committee unless such person shall have agreed to serve if elected, and no person shall be nominated from the floor unless such person is present and consents to serve if elected or if not present has agreed in writing to serve if elected.

 

Section 3-Presentation of Slate

 

All nominations by the Nominating Committee shall be presented by written notice to the membership at least thirty (30) days prior to the time elections are to be held.

 

 

ARTICLE IX-ELECTIONS

 

Section 1-Time and Place

 

Election of the directors shall take place by mail vote prior to the annual WOCN conference.  Election shall be solely from those persons nominated as set forth in these Bylaws.

 

Section 2-Voting Qualifications

 

Only active members in good standing shall be entitled to vote and no vote may be cast by proxy.

 

Section 3 Election of Officers

 

The offices of the President-elect, Secretary, and Treasurer shall be voted upon singly in the above order, in the appropriate years. Nominations shall remain open until each preceding office has been filled. The person receiving a majority of votes for each office shall be declared elected to such office.

 

 

Section 4-Tie vote

 

In the event of a tie the person to be declared elected shall be determined by the toss of a coin by the Nominations committee chairperson in the presence of another active NCR member in good standing.

 

Section 5-Secret Ballot

 

Voting for officers and directors shall be by secret ballot and after declaration of election all ballots shall be destroyed.

 

Section 6-Tellers

 

The Nominating Committee chairperson and one other active member in good standing shall act as tellers to count ballots.  In the event that the Nominating Committee chairperson is a candidate for the office being voted upon the President will appoint an alternate teller.

 

Section 7-Election Results

 

Election results will be communicated in the newsletter indicating number of ballots returned and number needed for a majority (2/3 of all ballots returned)

 

 

ARTICLE X-DUES

 

Dues of this region shall be payable to the WOCN in the amount and at the time determined by the WOCN and shall be governed by national bylaws.

 

 

ARTICLE XI-FISCAL YEAR

 

The fiscal year of this region shall be from January 1 through December 31.

 

ARTICLE XII-ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

 

Section 1-Structure

 

Affiliate groups, regions and regional affiliates may be established wherever the Board of Directors may approve, subject to such regulations as to membership, organization, procedures, and financial responsibility that the Board may prescribe.

 

Section 2 - Affiliates

 

Affiliate control regions and regional affiliates will be coordinated by the President representing the regional area.  The President will serve as the liaison to the WOCN, regional and regional affiliate.

Regions or regional affiliate operations may be revoked at any time and in such manner and after such investigation as the Board of Directors may deem necessary.  Upon revocation of a regional or affiliate area, all funds in the treasury and records shall be returned to the Treasurer and Secretary of the WOCN.

 

Section 3-Meetings

 

The NCR and regional affiliates may meet, discuss, and recommend educational activities, organization concepts, and other matters for the good of the NCR to the Board of Directors for their consideration and implementation.  The NCR and regional affiliate’s meetings shall consist of planned educational programs and provide attendees a valuable professional experience.

 

 

 

ARTICLE XIII-DISSOLUTION

 

Upon dissolution or termination of activity of the region all remaining assets after the payment of the legal debts and obligations of the region shall be distributed to a non-profit organization or organizations in such manner as the directors or persons in charge of the liquidation or dissolution shall determine.

 

ARTICLE XIV-PARLIMENTARY AUTHORITY

 

The latest edition of Roberts’ Rules of Order shall govern in all cases not covered by these bylaws.

 

ARTICLE XV-AMENDMENTS

 

These bylaws may be altered, amended, added to, repealed or suspended by a majority of those members returning mail ballots.  Proposed bylaw changes should be submitted to the membership in writing.

 

The regional Board Members can authorize verbiage and grammatical changes without membership vote providing bylaw interpretation is not altered.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section IV   Job Descriptions

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE I – PRESIDENT

                       

PURPOSE:      Provide informed, responsible leadership and guidance for regional operations.  Act as liaison between WOCN and NCR membership.

           

RESPONSIBILITIES:

           

1.     Coordinate the organizational development and direction of the region.

 

2.     Prepares meeting agendas, schedules, appropriate conference calls and membership meetings. 

 

3.     Preside at all Regional Board and Regional meetings.

 

4.     Appoint all committee chairpersons, temporary or permanent, and by virtue of the office of President, be an ex-officio member of each committee. 

 

5.     Monitor NCR Board of Director activities to be certain they are accomplished as directed.

 

6.     Keep all books, reports, and certificates properly filed as required by law. 

 

7.     Exercise such powers as may be reasonably construed as belonging to the Chief Executive of any organization.

 

8.      Solicit annual goals and evaluation of past activities from committee chairpersons prior to publication in winter newsletter.

 

9.      Present information from WOCN to the NCR membership as appropriate.

 

10.  Keep files on all correspondence received and sent regarding the region.

 

11.  Attend the annual meeting of the Regional Presidents at the WOCN Annual Conference: give a verbal report of the growth and development of the region.

 

12.  Maintain an effective communication system: report to the region via the Regional Newsletter.  The President’s Column is to be included with each publication.

 

13.  Orient President Elect to the President’s duties. Transfer all records to the new president.

 

14.  Submit budget for the following fiscal year to the NCR Treasurer.

 

15.  Evaluate President position description and submit any recommended changes and/or additions to the President-elect every odd year.

 

TERM OF OFFICE:  Two years.  Elected as President-Elect in even numbered years.

 

RESPONSIBLE TO:  NCR Board of Directors and General Membership.

 

SPECIAL NEEDS: Ability to access a computer and/or secretarial support

 

 

 

ARTICLE II – PRESIDENT-ELECT

                       

PURPOSE:      Perform duties of President in absence of President.  Gain insight and knowledge into the management of the NCR to facilitate a smooth transition in leadership during election years..

           

RESPONSIBILITIES:

           

1.      Submit annual report and evaluation of past activities to the NCR President for publication in the winter newsletter.

 

2.     Commit to serving the next term as NCR President. 

 

3.     Work closely with NCR President in order to gain knowledge into the responsibilities of that role..

 

4.     Perform the duties of the NCR President in the absence, or incapacity, of the President. 

 

5.     Perform such duties as delegated by the President.

 

6.     Attend all NCR Board of Director and General Membership meetings

 

7.     Participate in management of the affairs and business of the region.

 

16.  Seek insight into the direction of the organization and strive for that goal.

 

17.  Become familiar with Robert’s Rules of Order and act as parliamentarian in the absence of the past-president.

 

18.  Review by-laws of the NCR semi-annually and present any recommendations for revision to the Board of Directors at the fall meeting.

 

19.  Submit a regional article/report for the WOCN national newsletter at least one time per year and/or upon request by the editor.

 

20.  Orient incoming President-Elect to the duties of the office.

 

21.  Submit budget for the following fiscal year to the NCR Treasurer.

 

22.  Evaluate President-Elect position description and submit any recommended changes and/or additions every odd year.

 

TERM OF OFFICE:    Two years.  Elected in even numbered years.                                                                                     Automatically becomes President after 2 years

 

RESPONSIBLE TO:  NCR Board of Directors and General Membership.

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE III - SECRETARY

           

PURPOSE:      Maintain an accurate record of all NCR proceedings.

           

RESPONSIBILITIES:

           

1.      Attend all NCR Board of Directors and General Membership meetings to accurately record proceedings or arrange for an alternate.

 

2.      Keep accurate master file of NCR Board and General Membership meeting minutes.

 

3.      Maintain a record of all NCR forms, correspondence and meeting minutes.

 

4.      Make labels of all current members and send them to the newsletter publisher prior to each publication and to the nominations chairperson prior to nominations.

 

5.      Distribute copy of the NCR General Membership meeting minutes to the Board of Directors.

 

6.      Prepare synopsis of meetings for publication in NCR newsletters. 

 

7.      Keep current list of all NCR members and distribute updates to the Board of Directors and Newsletter Editor.

 

8.      Conduct correspondence for the NCR membership as determined by the Board of Directors.

 

9.      Orient incoming Secretary to the secretarial role.  Transfer all records to the incoming Secretary.

 

10.  Submit budget for the following fiscal year to the Treasurer of the NCR.

 

11.  Evaluate Secretary position description and submit any recommended changes and/or additions to the President-elect every odd year.

           

TERM OF OFFICE:  Two years.  Elected in odd numbered years.

           

RESPONSIBLE TO:  NCR Board of Directors and General Membership.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE IV - TREASURER

 

PURPOSE:      Manage finances for the North Central Region.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  

1. Submit an annual financial report to the WOCN Central Office for review for tax- exempt status.

 

2. Have the care and custody of all funds of the region in such bank or banks, trust companies, and investments as approved by the Board of Directors.

 

3. Keep accurate records of account of income and expenditures.

 

4. Sign all checks or drafts of the region

 

5. Reimburse members for approved expenditures.

 

6. Serve as an advisor in financial matters to all officers and committee chairpersons.

 

7. Attend all Board of Directors and General Membership meetings.

 

8. Distribute a written financial report at all Board of Directors and General Membership meetings.

 

9. Draw up formal budget for approval by the general membership before the start of each fiscal year.

 

10. Maintain current financial bonding of NCR treasurer and renew as needed.

 

11. Arrange for auditing of financial records by two NCR members with active membership.

 

12. Inform bank(s) of change in officers and arrange for necessary change of records.

 

13. Orient incoming Treasurer and the new Board of Directors to the Treasurer's role. Transfer all records to the succeeding Treasurer.

 

14.  Submit a budget for the role of Treasurer for the following fiscal year.

 

15. Evaluate Treasurer’s position description and submit any recommended changes and/or additions to the President-elect every odd year.

 

TERM OF OFFICE:  Two years.  Elected in even numbered years.

 

RESPONSIBLE TO:  NCR Board of Directors and General Membership.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE V - STATE REPRESENTATIVES

 

PURPOSE:      Develop working relationships with the NCR members within his/her state in order to facilitate the nominations process and accurately represent his/her specific state's position in pertinent issues and member accomplishments.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

1. Attend NCR Board of Directors meetings/conference calls and NCR general membership meetings or arrange for alternate

 

2. Prepare a state update report that includes new members within his/her state and professional accomplishments of members within his/her state. Submit report at the NCR Board of Directors meetings, NCR General Membership meetings, and to the regional Newsletter Editor

 

3. Serve on the Nominating Committee.  All NCR state representatives actively recruit nominees for vacating positions during the two-year term.

 

4. Alternate as nominations co-chairperson for one out of the two year term consisting of either a North or South Dakota representative (elected even years) and a Minnesota or Wisconsin representative (elected odd years) to collect nominee bios, prepare and send ballots to all voting members at least one month prior to the WOCN National meeting, and count ballots.

 

5. Receive the names of new members within his/her state from the Secretary of the NCR and welcome new members by phone or in writing.

 

6. Orient incoming State Representative to his/her duties. Transfer all records to the incoming State Representative.

 

7. Submit budget for the following fiscal year to the Treasurer of the NCR.

 

8. Evaluate State Representative position description and submit any changes and/or additions to the President-elect every odd year.

 

 

TERM OF OFFICE:    Two years.  Elected in even numbered years, if from North or South Dakota, and in odd numbered years, if from Wisconsin or Minnesota.

 

RESPONSIBLE TO:   NCR Board of Directors and General Membership.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE VI - PROFESSIONAL/CLINICAL PRACTICE CHAIRPERSON

 

PURPOSE:      Promote professional development and explore WOC nursing clinical practice issues.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

1. Attend NCR Board of Directors meetings/conference calls and NCR General Membership meetings or arrange for alternate.

 

2. Prioritize projects based on NCR membership needs.

 

3. Solicit nominees for WOCN Excellence award from the general membership beginning at Fall conference through the end of May (deadline June 1).  Facilitate a vote by the board at the June board meeting.  Purchase the plaque and present at fall conference or give to an alternate to present.  Send letter to local newspaper and hospital (if applicable) announcing the award and it’s recipient. 

 

4. Submit report of relevant clinical practice position activities at the NCR Board of Directors meetings, NCR General Membership meetings, and to the NCR Newsletter Editor.

 

5. Orient incoming Professional/Clinical Practice Chair to his/her duties. Transfer all records to the incoming chairperson.

 

6. Submit budget for the following fiscal year to the Treasurer of the NCR.

 

7. Evaluate Professional/Clinical Practice Chairperson job description and submit any recommended changes and/or additions to the President-elect every odd year.

 

TERM OF OFFICE:    Appointed by the NCR President for two years, with the term to begin after national conference. Chair shall not concurrently hold another regional office.

 

RESPONSIBLE TO:   NCR Board of Directors and General Membership.

 

 

 

ARTICLE VII – IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

 

PURPOSE:      Serve as a resource for the current NCR President

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

1. Act as a consultant for specific problems or concerns of the organization.

 

2. Participate in special projects or serve on a committee as appointed by the President.

 

3. Act as parliamentarian at NCR General Membership meetings.  Be familiar with Robert’s Rules of Order. 

 

TERM OF OFFICE:    First year following role as President.

 

RESPONSIBLE TO:   NCR Board of Directors and General Membership.

 

 

ARTICLE VIII – NEWSLETTER EDITOR

 

PURPOSE:      Provide a means of keeping all NCR members updated on current issues by way of the Regional Newsletter, which is published bi-annually.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

1. Solicit reports and articles from NCR Board of Directors and NCR General Membership for publication.

 

2. Coordinate and publish information pertinent to the NCR and WOCN in the newsletter. 

 

3. Orient incoming Newsletter Editor to new position.  Transfer all records to the succeeding Newsletter Editor.

 

4. Submit budget for the following fiscal year to the Treasurer of the NCR.

 

 

TERM OF OFFICE:    Newsletter Editor is a volunteer position, with no term limit, and can be a shared responsibility.

 

RESPONSIBLE TO:   NCR Board of Directors and General Membership.