American Red Cross of Central Florida 

Nursing

Background

Nurses have always been a cornerstone for the provision of services by the American Red Cross. Historically, Red Cross nurses have provided their assistance during times of disaster and conflict beginning with the 1880 Johnstown floods and the 1888 Yellow Fever epidemic. The Red Cross Nursing Service was formally established by Jane Delano in 1909. Red Cross nursing has also had a major role in the historical evolution of nursing and nursing leadership in the United States with many Red Cross nurses, including Jane Delano, Clara Noyes, Julia Stimson and others playing strategic roles in the development of American nursing.

Nurse Involvement Today

More than 40,000 nurses continue to be involved in paid and volunteer capacities at all levels and in all service areas throughout the American Red Cross nationwide. These activities consist of:

• Providing direct services: e.g. local Disaster Action Teams (DAT), Health Fairs, volunteer in military clinics and hospitals, blood collection team, tissue donor recruitment
• Teaching and developing courses: HIV/AIDS, CPR/First Aid, Automated External Defibrillator (AED), Disaster Health Services, Nurse Assistant Training, Babysitting
• Acting in management and supervisory roles: including Chapter and Blood region executives
• Functioning in governance roles: local board member to national Board of Governors

Nursing Vision:

American Red Cross Nursing...a presence throughout...uplifting lives with compassion and special skills...competent and prepared...strengthening the organization with innovation and support...enhancing the Red Cross.

Registered Nurse Enrollment Program

Since 1909 the American Red Cross has recognized the important contributions of dedicated paid and volunteer nurses. Today nurses continue to play vital roles in easing human suffering in their own communities and around the world. And you, too, can help.

The Red Cross Nurse Enrollment Program represents a level of commitment symbolizing professional status, voluntary service, and dedication to the fundamental humanitarian principles of the Red Cross. As an enrolled nurse in the program, you are honored with a unique badge bearing an individualized, engraved number.

By maintaining a roster of volunteer nurses, the Red Cross can

• Provide a channel for nurses to participate in Red Cross activities that meet the needs of their community.
• Recognize the commitment of these volunteer nurses by awarding the numbered badge.
  

Eligibility

To be eligible for enrollment in the program, you must:

• be a registered nurse and
• be a graduate of an accredited school or college of nursing
• currently be licensed as a registered nurse in the state in which you volunteer
• have given at least 20 hours of documented volunteer or paid service to the American Red Cross
  

Procedure

1. Complete the Registered Nurse Enrollment application, FORM 2825 (available through your American Red Cross of Central Florida).The form must be accurately and completely filled in. All requested information must be provided.
2. The American Red Cross of Central Florida then verifies the registration of the nurse' license and signs the form noting this verification.
3. A check for $20.00 (twenty dollars) made payable to American Red Cross of Central Florida
   

Duplicate Badges

If your original badge is lost, damaged or defective, you may request issuance of a duplicate badge through your local field unit or by sending a letter to:

Nurse Enrollment
Office of the Chief Nurse
American Red Cross
8111 Gatehouse Road, 6th Floor
Falls Church, VA 22042

There is a $10 fee for replacement badges

Student Nurse Pin

This pin recognizes the contributions of student nurses who are providing valuable Red Cross services to their communities. If you are a student nurse who has worked for the Red Cross in a volunteer or paid capacity for 10 or more hours, you can get your pin! The silver and blue pin is inscribed with the words, "Student Nurse…Answering Humanities Call."

LPN/LVN Pin

Licensed practical and vocational nurses who are Red Cross volunteers or employees with at least 20 hours of service are recognized through the awarding of a special pin. Two versions are available: one for LPN's and one for LVN's.

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Headquarters: 5 North Bumby Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32803 Phone: (407) 894-4141

Copyright 2008. The American National Red Cross. All Rights Reserved.