2.3. IPNA NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (NEC)
The National Executive Committee comprises of Branch Representatives from each
of the 19 Regional Branches.
A National Chairperson, National Vice-Chairperson, National Public Relations
Officer and National Treasurer are elected each year at the Annual General Meeting.
A person may be re-elected to any position. These positions are all voluntary and
many dedicated practice nurses have given much of their personal time in
developing the association into the professional dynamic organization that is present
today.
The IPNA Administrator is an employee of the Irish Practice Nurses Association
currently working 29hours/week.
The IPNA Membership Secretary is an employee of the Irish Practice Nurses
Association currently working 12 hours/week.
Page 8
CURRENT NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE and EMPLOYEES
(MAY 2011)
POSITION
NATIONAL CHAIRPERSON (elected)
NATIONAL VICE-CHAIRPERSON
NAME
BRANCH
Orla Loftus-Moran
Roisin Doogue
Mayo
Kildare/Carlow
(elected)
Lynn Cartwright
NATIONAL P.R.O. (elected)
NATIONAL HONORARY TREASURER Mary O’Connor
Dublin
Mayo
(elected)
ADMINISTRATOR (paid employee)
MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY (paid
Lisa Nolan
Tracey Rooney
employee)
BRANCH REPRESENTATIVES (elected)
Margaret McClean
Anne Akamnonu
Cora Goold
Elsie Stewart
Brid Buckley
Moira Noone
Catherine
Doyle/Anne
Edwards/Anne-Marie
O’Connor
Stella Hogan
Kathleen Renehan
Ann Leahy/Maria
Mullins
Anna Knightly
Deirdre Gavin
Siobhan Ruane
Margaret Scott
No NEC Rep
Siobhan Jordan
No NEC Rep
Catherine Enright
Mary Sullivan
Cavan/Monaghan
Clare
Cork
Donegal
North Dublin
Galway
Kerry
Kildare/Carlow
Kilkenny
Limerick/Nth.
Tipperary
Louth/Meath
Mayo
Midlands
Roscommon
Sligo/Leitrim
South Tipperary
Waterford
Wexford
Wicklow
Page 9
2.5 IPNA ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
PAGE 11
Articles that make up the Constitution of the IPNA are in red font. These cannot be
changed without prior permission from Revenue Commissioners.
All others are IPNA Articles of Association that govern the day-to-day management
of the IPNA. These can be changed via a Motion at AGM, which must be voted upon
by a majority to ratify the change.
ARTICLE NO:
1. TITLE
2. ADDRESS
Irish Practice Nurses Association
Correspondence shall be addressed to the
Administrator of the Irish Practice Nurses
Association.
3. THE MAIN OBJECT OF
THE IRISH PRACTICE
NURSES ASSOCIATION IS:
3.1
4. SUBSIDIARY
OBJECTIVES
The following Objectives
set out hereafter are
exclusively subsidiary and
ancillary to the Main
Objectives set out above
and these Objectives are
to be used only for the
attainment of those Main
Objectives and any
income generated there
from is to be applied for
the Main Objectives only.
The advancement of education in general
practice in Ireland by promoting and assisting
nurses in further education programmes and
to provide a forum for the dissemination of
information on developments in the general
practice nursing field which will promote the
highest standards of care to benefit the
community.2
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
4.9
a) To work positively with other groups and
organisations that it deems to be suitably
equipped to provide the necessary educational
programmes or skills required for the
enhancement of Nursing in General Practice.
b) The Irish Practice Nurses Association shall
not associate itself with any group whose work
is not in keeping with the ethos, aims and
objectives of the association. See Policy
Document for full details.
To disseminate information to its members on
all matters relevant to Nursing in General
Practice by means of journals, periodicals,
meetings, conferences, website, e-mails, text
messages, etc.
To encourage members to undertake and
publish research and original work that is
relevant to the role of Nurses in General
Practice. To assist others who may be
undertaking research relevant to Nursing in
General Practice.
To maintain a Database of research
undertaken by Practice Nurses and by others in
relation to Practice Nursing.
To act as a resource base for members or those
with an interest in General Practice nursing.
To make application to relevant bodies for any
statutory or other privilege, exemption,
limitation or licence of any nature which shall
be deemed of benefit to Practice Nursing in
Ireland.
To raise such funds as shall be required for the
efficient administration of the Irish Practice
Nurses Association by acquiring subscriptions
from members, or any other such means as
shall be deemed appropriate.
To invest monies of the Irish Practice Nurses
Association, not immediately required for its
purposes, in or upon such investments,
securities or properties as shall be deemed
appropriate.
To acquire, by purchase, taking of lease or
otherwise, lands, buildings, other properties or
equipment, real or personal, which the Irish
Practice Nurses Association may deem
appropriate to acquire and which may lawfully
4.10
4.11
4.12
4.13
belong to them.
To accept monies, grants, payments, advances
and assistance from any
Government Department, association,
company, society, institute, academy,
university, individual or group of persons
which may be conducive to the
attainment of the Association’s objectives.
To carry out all acts necessary to procure that
the Irish Practice Nurses Association be duly
constituted so as to be incorporated,
registered and recognised in Ireland or in any
part of the world.
To enter into and make contracts with such
persons as the Irish Practice Nurses Association
may deem necessary or beneficial to the
functioning of the Association.
To accumulate capital for any purposes of the
Irish Practice Nurses Association, and to
appropriate any of the Association’s assets to
specific purposes, either conditionally or
unconditionally. Prior permission to be
obtained from Revenue where it is intended to
accumulate funds for a period in excess of two
(2) years.
5. MEMBERSHIP
5.1.1
Full Membership of the Irish Practice Nurses
Association is open to persons who are on the
Live Register of An Bord Altranais, in the RGN
or PHN Divisions, and who are currently
employed as Practice Nurses either on a fulltime, part-time or job-sharing basis, in any of
the following settings: 3
General Practice
(must be working alongside GP and providing
GP services in that setting) 3
Out of Hours GP Services – Triage
(must be working alongside GP and providing
GP services in that setting) 3
Out of Hours GP Services - Clinical
(must be working alongside GP and providing
GP services in that setting) 3
3rd level institutions
(must be working alongside GP and providing
GP services in that setting) 3
Schools
(must be working alongside GP and providing
GP services in that setting)
Prisons
(must be working alongside GP and providing
GP services in that setting) 3
Family Planning Centres
(must be working alongside GP and providing
GP services in that setting) 3
Occupational Health Centres
(must be working alongside GP and providing
GP services in that setting) 3
Health Screening Centres
(must be working alongside GP and providing
GP services in that setting) 3
Health Information Centres – who have
direct patient contact
(must be working alongside GP and providing
GP services in that setting) 3
3
5.1.2
Full Membership of the Irish Practice Nurses
Association is open to persons who are
employed as Professional Development
Coordinators for Practice Nursing.
6. ACCOUNTS
6.1
Correct accounts and books shall be kept at
both branch and national level showing the
financial affairs of the Irish Practice Nurses
Association, i.e.
a) all sums of money received and expended by
the Irish Practice Nurses Association and the
matters of which the receipt and expenditure
takes place,
b) all sales and purchases of goods by the Irish
Practice Nurses Association
c) the assets and liabilities of the Irish Practice
Nurses Association.
Proper books shall not be deemed to be kept if
there are not kept such books of accounts as
are necessary to give a true and fair view of the
state of the Irish Practice Nurses Association’s
affairs and to explain it’s transactions.
6.2
6.3
Annual audited accounts shall be kept and
made available to the Revenue Commissioners
on request. 2
The income and property of the association,
shall be applied solely towards the promotion
of its main object(s) as set forth in this
Constitution. No portion of the association’s
income and property shall be paid or
transferred directly or indirectly by way of
dividend, bonus or otherwise howsoever by
way of profit, to the members of the
association. No Officer shall be appointed to
any office of the association paid by salary or
fees, or receive any remuneration or other
benefit in money or money’s worth from the
association. However, nothing shall prevent
any payment in good faith by the association
of:
a) reasonable and proper remuneration to
any member of the association (not
being an Officer) for any services
rendered to the association.
b) Interest at a rate not exceeding 5% per
annum on money lent by Officers or
other members of the association to
the association.
c) Reasonable and proper rent for
premises demised and let by any
member of the association (including
any Officer) to the association.
d) Reasonable and proper out-of-pocket
expenses incurred by any Officer, or any
member representing the association,
in connection with their attendance to
any matter affecting the association.
Fees, remuneration or other benefit in money
or money’s worth to any Company of which an
Officer may be a member holding not more
than one hundredth part of the issued capital
of such Company. 2
7. IN THE EVENT OF THE
IRISH PRACTICE NURSES
ASSOCIATION
DISBANDING
7.1
If upon the winding up or dissolution of the
association there remains, after the
satisfaction of all its debts and liabilities, any
property whatsoever, it shall not be paid to or
distributed among the members of the
association. Instead such property shall be
given or transferred to some other charitable
institution or institutions having main objects
similar to the main objects of the association.
The institution or institutions to which the
property is to be given or transferred shall
prohibit the distribution of its or their income
and property among its or their members to an
extent at least as great as is imposed on the
association under or by virtue of Clause 6
above hereof. Members of the association
shall select the relevant institution or
institutions at or before the time of
dissolution, and if and so far as effect cannot
be given to such provisions, then the property
shall be given or transferred to some charitable
object. 2
8. ADDITIONS,
ALTERATIONS OR
AMENDMENTS TO
THE MEMORANDUM
OF THE ASSOCIATION
8.1
9. ACCOUNTS
.
9.1
No addition, alteration or amendment shall be
made to or in the provisions of this
Memorandum of Association for the time
being in force unless the same shall have been
previously approved in writing by the Revenue
Commissioners.
Correct accounts and books shall be kept at
both branch and national level showing the
financial affairs of the Irish Practice Nurses
Association, i.e.
a) all sums of money received and expended by
the Irish Practice Nurses Association and the
matters of which the receipt and expenditure
takes place,
b) all sales and purchases of goods by the Irish
Practice Nurses Association
c) the assets and liabilities of the Irish Practice
Nurses Association.
9.2
9.3
9.4
9.5
9.6
9.7
Proper books shall not be deemed to be kept if
there are not kept such books of accounts as
are necessary to give a true and fair view of the
state of the Irish Practice Nurses Association’s
affairs and to explain it’s transactions.
Branch accounts shall be administered by the
Branch Treasurer.
Each Branch shall submit on an annual basis
their accounts to the National Treasurer before
31st December of that year.
National accounts shall be administered by the
National Treasurer, who may delegate the
book-keeping to a person agreed by the N.E.C. 7
The National Executive Committee shall verify
the accuracy thereof at the AGM by
countersigning of the Treasurer’s Report by the
National Chairperson, or in her absence, the
National Vice-Chairperson.
Annual accounts shall be kept and made
available to the Revenue Commissioners on
request.
The Income and Property of the Irish Practice
Nurses Association shall be applied solely
towards the promotion of its Main Aims and
Objectives as set forth above. No portion of the
Association’s income and property shall be paid
or transferred directly or indirectly by way of
dividend, bonus or otherwise howsoever by way
of profit to members of the Association.
However, nothing shall prevent any payment in
good faith by the Association of:
a) reasonable and proper remuneration to any
member or employee of the Association for any
services rendered to the Association.
b) reasonable and proper out of pocket
expenses incurred by the elected National
Executive Committee Officers or elected Branch
Committee Officers in connection with
attendance to any matter affecting the Irish
Practice Nurses Association.
10. MEMBERSHIP AND
FEES
10.1
FULL MEMBERSHIP
10.1.1
Full Membership of the Irish Practice Nurses
Association is open to persons who are on the
Live Register of An Bord Altranais, in the RGN
or PHN Divisions, and who are currently
employed as Practice Nurses either on a fulltime, part-time or job-sharing basis, in any of
the following settings: 3
General Practice
(must be working alongside GP and
providing GP services in that setting) 3
Out of Hours GP Services – Triage
(must be working alongside GP and
providing GP services in that setting) 3
Out of Hours GP Services - Clinical
(must be working alongside GP and
providing GP services in that setting) 3
3rd level institutions
(must be working alongside GP and
providing GP services in that setting) 3
Schools
(must be working alongside GP and
providing GP services in that setting) 3
Prisons
(must be working alongside GP and
providing GP services in that setting) 3
Family Planning Centres
(must be working alongside GP and
providing GP services in that setting) 3
Occupational Health Centres
(must be working alongside GP and
providing GP services in that setting) 3
Health Screening Centres
(must be working alongside GP and
providing GP services in that setting) 3
Health Information Centres – who have
direct patient contact
(must be working alongside GP and
providing GP services in that setting) 3
10.2
10.3
10.4
10.5
10.6
10.7
10.8
10.9
10.1.2
Full Membership of the Irish Practice Nurses
Association is open to persons who are
employed as Professional Development
Coordinators for Practice Nursing.
Full Members must show evidence of being on
the current Live Register of An Bord Altranais,
in the RGN or PHN Divisions.
The annual membership fee shall reflect the
amount payable to the Branch and the amount
payable to the National Executive Committee.
Adjustments to annual membership fees shall
be proposed by the National Executive
Committee, then voted upon by members and
shall be ratified by a majority vote.
Membership year will run from 1st January to
31st December.
Renewal fees shall be collected between
September and December in respect of the
incoming year.
a) New members may join and become full
members at any time during the year.
b) A person becoming a member of the
Association after the 1st day of January in any
year shall be required to pay the entire Annual
Membership Fee in respect of that year.
c) In the event that any member ceases to be a
member prior to the 31st December in any year
that member shall not be entitled to any
rebate of her Annual Membership Fee paid for
that year.
All membership applications and membership
renewals shall be processed centrally by the
National Membership Secretary as per
procedures set out by the National Executive
Committee. 4
TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP
10.9.1
A Practice Nurse shall no longer maintain
membership if she has not paid her
membership fee before 31st December.
10.9.2
Membership shall cease one year after
cessation of work as a Practice Nurse.
10.9.3
Membership shall be terminated if it is proven
to the satisfaction of the National Executive
Committee that the member has acted or
spoken in a manner that undermines the aims
and objectives of the Irish Practice Nurses
Association.
11. BRANCH MEETINGS
11.1
11.2
11.3
FORMATION OF NEW BRANCHES
11.1.1
New branches may be formed based on local need
and following ratification by majority vote at
National Executive Committee.
11.1.2
Each branch shall be named as follows:
“IPNA [name] Branch”
AIMS OF BRANCH MEETINGS
11.2.1
To provide an education opportunity for
members through speakers, demonstrations,
workshops, etc.
11.2.2
To provide an opportunity for discussion,
debate and decision making on matters
relating to Practice Nursing nationally and
regionally.
OPERATION OF BRANCH MEETINGS
11.3.1
Each branch will operate at local level in
accordance with the Aims and Objectives of
the Irish Practice Nurses Association.
11.3.2
Branches shall meet for a minimum of six
meetings per annum at a time and location
convenient to the majority of the branch
members. Branches may have a summer
recess during the months of July/August.
11.3.3
Each Branch shall aim to have their meetings
sponsored by patrons who are considered
equipped to enhance the role, working
conditions or professional development of the
Practice Nurse.
11.3.3 (a) 1
Each Branch shall hold its’ Branch Annual
General Meeting between September and
December.
11.3.4
Each Branch shall elect registered members to
the offices of Branch Chairperson, Branch ViceChairperson, Branch Secretary, Branch
Treasurer and National Committee member,
(Branch Rep).
11.3.5
Any Branch Committee Officer may also act as
National Committee member (Branch Rep).
11.3.6
Branch Committee Officers shall be elected at
Branch Annual General Meeting by registered
members who are entitled to vote.
11.3.7
Branch Committee Officers shall hold office for
a term of one year and may be re-elected at the
Branch Annual General Meeting.
11.3.8
A person who has agreed to go forward can be
proposed and seconded from the floor, in the
event of more than one member going forward
for a Branch Committee Officer’s post, there will
be a written ballot.
11.3.9
The Branch Secretary may call an extraordinary
meeting of a Branch within 7 days of receipt by
her of a request, duly signed by four members
of a Branch. Notice shall set out the purpose of
the meeting and the Branch Chairperson shall
chair the meeting; in the absence of the Branch
Chairperson, the Branch Vice-Chairperson shall
chair the meeting.
11.3.10
A record shall be maintained of which Company,
Group or individuals sponsored the Meeting.
A record shall be maintained of who presented
the Educational Topic of the Meeting and the
title of the Topic discussed.
11.3.11
A record shall be maintained of all Registered
members who attended the Meeting.
11.3.12
Minutes of the General Branch Meeting shall be
maintained.
11.3.13
Employees of the Irish Practice Nurses
Association may attend the educational part of
branch meetings.
11.3.14
Members may attend the educational part of
branch meetings of any branch other than the
one with which they are registered.
11.3.15
Members may only attend the business meeting
of the branch with which they are registered.
12. NATIONAL EXECUTIVE
COMMITTEE
12.1
12.2
The National Executive Committee is made up
of National Executive Committee Officers and
National Committee Members (Branch Reps).
NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OFFICERS
12.2.1
The National Executive Committee Officers will
be the National Chairperson, National ViceChairperson, National Treasurer and National
Public Relations Officer.
12.2.2
The National Executive Committee Officers shall
be elected at the Annual General Meeting, by
registered members who are entitled to vote.
Only paid up registered members shall be
eligible for election to the National Executive
Committee Officers’ positions.
12.2.3
The National Executive Committee Officers shall
hold office for a term of one year and may be
re-elected at the Annual General Meeting.
12.2.4
“Any member who wishes to be considered for
election to a National Executive Committee
Officer position shall notify the Irish Practice
Nurses Association Administrator before 30th
September. In the event of no nominations
being received by 30th September, late
nominations may be accepted up until the close
of the NEC meeting on the Friday of the Annual
Educational Conference weekend.” 5
12.2.5
Any member who has agreed to go forward
shall be proposed and seconded from the floor,
in the event of more than one member going
forward for a National Executive Committee
12.3
12.4
Officer’s post, there will be a written ballot.
12.2.6
Nominees for election to any National Executive
Committee Officer role shall declare in writing
their interests and any committee positions that
they hold outside the IPNA, to the NEC before
the final closing date for nominations. 6
12.2.7
Nominees for National Executive Committee
Officers positions shall not be permitted to
stand for election if the NEC believes that their
interests or committee positions on groups
outside the IPNA are in conflict with the aims
and objectives of the IPNA, or if the NEC
believes there could be a conflict of
interest/loyalty or a perceived conflict of
interest/loyalty. 6
12.2.8
National Executive Committee Officers may not,
during their term of office, hold committee
positions on groups outside the IPNA if there is
any possibility that there could be a conflict of
interest/loyalty, or any perception of conflict of
interest/loyalty. 6
NATIONAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS (BRANCH
REPS)
12.3.1
Members of the National Executive Committee
(Branch Reps) shall be elected at Branch level,
by registered members who are entitled to vote
at the Branch Annual General Meeting. Only
paid up registered members shall be eligible for
election to the National Executive Committee.
12.3.2
National Committee members (Branch Reps)
shall be elected at Branch Annual General
Meeting by registered members who are
entitled to vote.
12.3.3
National Committee members (Branch Reps)
shall hold office for a term of one year and may
be re-elected at the Branch Annual General
Meeting.
OPERATION OF THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE
COMMITTEE
12.4.1
The National Executive Committee shall
administer the business affairs of the Irish
Practice Nurses Association in accordance with
the aforementioned Aims and Objectives and
shall have all such administrative powers as
may be necessary for properly executing the
aims and objectives of the Association.
12.4.2
Any issues that affect the day to day running of
the Irish Practice Nurses Association shall be
managed by the National Executive Committee
Officers.
12.4.3
The National Executive Committee shall meet
at least four (4) times per year and an
attendance of at least 50% +1 of the
Committee members shall constitute a quorum
for a meeting to be properly executed. If a
National Executive
Committee member is unable to attend a
National Executive Committee meeting,
she shall appoint another registered member
from her Branch to represent her at the
meeting.
12.4.4
a) Each member shall have the right to be heard
by the National Executive Committee upon any
complaint or representation sent by her to the
Administrator of the Irish Practice Nurses
Association.
b) All such correspondence shall be sent directly
to the Administrator of the Irish Practice Nurses
Association, who shall bring this information to
the attention of the National Executive
Committee.
12.4.5
The Chairperson shall preside over all meetings
of the Executive Committee. In the
Chairperson’s absence, the Vice-Chairperson
shall chair the meeting.
12.4.6
Any member of the Executive Committee who
shall have absented herself from
three consecutive meetings without
explanation, shall be deemed to have
resigned from the Committee. In this instance
the Branch represented by that
member shall be instructed to nominate a
replacement representative to the
Executive Committee.
12.4.7
An extraordinary meeting of the National
Executive Committee or an Extraordinary
General Meeting of all registered members of
the Association may be called by the
Administrator within 14 days of receipt by her
of a requisition, duly signed by four members of
the National
Executive Committee. Such notice shall set out
the purpose for which such an extraordinary
meeting is required. The extraordinary meeting
shall be chaired by the Chairperson of the
National Executive Committee.
13. VOTING
13.1
13.2
13.3
VOTING RIGHTS
13.1.1
Full Members are eligible to vote.
13.1.2
Each member shall have one (1) vote only.
13.1.3
Employees of the Irish Practice Nurses
Association who are not registered members
are not eligible to vote.
VOTING AT BRANCH LEVEL
13.2.1
All registered members are eligible to vote at
their registered branch.
13.2.2
Voting may be by a show of hands or by secret
ballot (written or electronic), the method being
decided by the Branch Chairperson.
13.2.3
The Chairperson of a Branch Meeting, Branch
Annual General Meeting or Extraordinary
Branch Meeting shall, in the event of a tie, have
a casting vote in addition to her vote as a
member.
VOTING AT NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
MEETINGS
13.3.1
Each Branch Rep plus National Executive
Committee Officers may vote at a National
Executive Committee meeting.
13.3.2
Voting may be by a show of hands or by secret
13.4
ballot (written or electronic), the method being
decided by the National Chairperson.
13.3.3
The Chairperson of a National Executive
Committee Meeting or Extraordinary National
Executive Committee Meeting shall, in the
event of a tie, have a casting vote in addition to
her vote as a National Executive Committee
Officer.
VOTING AT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
13.4.1
All registered members are eligible to vote at
the Irish Practice Nurses Association Annual
General Meeting.
13.4.2
Voting may be by a show of hands or by secret
ballot (written or electronic), the method being
decided by the National Chairperson.
13.4.3
The Chairperson of an Annual General Meeting
or Extraordinary General Meeting shall, in the
event of a tie, have a casting vote in addition to
her vote as a member.
14. ANNUAL GENERAL
MEETINGS
14.1
14.2
14.3
14.4
14.5
Not less than 30 days notice of the Annual
General Meeting and not less than 7 days notice
of an Extraordinary General Meeting shall be
given by the Administrator of the Irish Practice
Nurses Association to all registered members.
A quorum of 50% +1 of the National Executive
Committee is necessary at Extraordinary or
Annual General Meetings to properly execute
the meeting.
The Annual General Meeting of the Association
should be held on or before the 30th
November.
The Annual General Meeting shall be an integral
part of the Irish Practice Nurses Association
Annual National Conference.
MOTIONS
14.5.1
Motions for the AGM must be sent to the
Administrator of the Irish Practice Nurses
Association.
14.5.2
Final date for acceptance of motions is 30th
14.6
April.
14.5.3
a) The acceptance of an emergency motion
after this date will be decided by the National
Executive Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson,
Treasurer and PRO.
b) The National Chairperson will have a casting
vote in the case of a tied vote.
c) Emergency motions will not be considered
after 31st August.
14.5.4
Any Motion proposed must be in accordance
with the Aims and Objectives of the Association.
14.5.5
A Motion shall be accepted or refused by vote
of the National Executive Committee at their
September meeting.
14.5.6
Motions will be made available to all members
not later than 7 days before the Annual General
Meeting.
14.5.7
Each Motion will be presented at the Annual
General Meeting by a nominated member of
the proposing branch. She will have a
maximum of three minutes to make her
representation. Thereafter, any member who
wishes to respond to the Motion has a
maximum of two minutes to respond. Any
member who wishes to speak to or respond to a
Motion shall do so from the podium and shall
first state their name and branch for the
records.
14.5.8
The Chairperson shall decide when the subject
of the Motion has been adequately discussed
and shall then call upon members to vote.
THE FOLLOWING BUSINESS SHALL BE
TRANSACTED AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL
MEETING
 Welcome and Introductions.
 Minutes of the previous Annual General
Meeting, (Administrator).
 National Chairperson’s Address
 Administrator’s Annual Report.
 Membership Secretary’s Annual Report.
 Treasurer’s Financial Statement.








Conference Coordinator’s Report.
Professional Development Coordinators
for Practice Nursing Report.
Notices of Motions (National
Chairperson)
Election of National Executive
Committee Officers (National
Chairperson).
Decision on future Annual Conferences
(National Chairperson).
Any Other Business (National
Chairperson). Any member who wishes
to bring an issue to the Annual General
Meeting must notify the Administrator
in writing not less than 7 days before the
Annual General Meeting.
Handover of Seal of Office
Close of Annual General Meeting
(Incoming National Chairperson).
15. IRISH PRACTICE
NURSES ASSOCIATION
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
15.1
15.2
15.3
15.4
The Irish Practice Nurses Association
Conference shall be held annually and shall
follow the Irish Practice Nurses Association
Conference Procedure.
The Irish Practice Nurses Association
Conference Procedure document shall be
written and developed by the National
Executive Committee and the Irish Practice
Nurses Association Conference Coordinator,
and shall be amended as necessary at a National
Executive Committee Meeting according to the
changing needs of the Association.
The Annual Conference shall be open to all
registered members of the Irish Practice Nurses
Association and others as deemed appropriate
by the National Executive Committee.
The Conference shall:
a) provide a forum for education, discussion
and debate.
b) create revenue for the Irish Practice Nurses
Association
c) provide a forum for the Annual General
Meeting of the Irish Practice Nurses
Association.
16. COMPLIANCE WITH
CURRENT LEGISLATION
The National Executive Committee shall invite
15.5 proposals to host future Annual Conferences
from any interested branch(es) to be submitted
to the National Executive Committee before 31st
August of the preceding two (2) years in
accordance with the Irish Practice Nurses
Association Annual Conference Procedure.
Any branch(es) that propose to host the Annual
15.6 Conference shall be allowed five (5) minutes at
the Annual General Meeting, if required, to
present their proposal before members are
called upon to vote on the proposal.
If no Branch(es) expresses an interest in hosting
15.7 the Annual Conference, then the National
Executive Committee shall propose that a
National Conference Committee be set up,
comprising of members from a selection of
branches, to act as hosts.
All income and expenditure relating to the
15.8 Conference shall be transacted through the
National Treasurer and any/all profits/losses
shall be deemed the responsibility of the Irish
Practice Nurses Association through the
National Executive Committee.
Any branch or group of branches that host the
15.9 Irish Practice Nurses Association Annual
Conference and Annual General Meeting are
entitled to 15% of the conference profit, to be
used for education at branch level.
In the event that the Irish Practice Nurses
15.10 Association Annual Conference is hosted by a
National Conference Committee, all profits
from the conference shall be retained by the
National Executive Committee.
16.1 a) The Irish Practice Nurses Association shall
adhere to all current legislation that relates to
the affairs and management of the association.
16.2 The Irish Practice Nurses Association shall
develop, and review on a regular basis, policies
for the following:
 Data Protection.
 Employment of staff
 Health & Safety for staff
17. AMENDMENTS
17.1
The provisions as stated in these Articles of the
Association may be revoked or amended in
accordance with the changing needs of the
17.2
17.3
Association.
Amendments to the Articles of Association may
be brought as a Motion to the Annual General
Meeting and shall be ratified by a majority vote.
All amendments to this document shall be
appended under an amendment section until
such times as reprinting of the Articles are
deemed necessary by the National Executive
Committee.
18.POSSIBLE MALE
MEMBERSHIP OF IRISH
PRACTICE NURSES
ASSOCIATION AT SOME
FUTURE DATE
18.1
Notwithstanding that these Articles of
Association are written in terms and phrases
appropriate to the present entirely Female
Membership of the Irish Practice Nurses
Association, nothing contained in these Articles
shall be construed or interpreted in a manner
which would prevent Male Nurses, who are
suitably qualified and in appropriate
employment, from becoming members of the
Irish Practice Nurses Association or from
subsequently becoming Committee Members if
elected in accordance with these Articles of
Association.
Abbreviations:
IPNA: Irish Practice Nurses Association.
RGN: Registered General Nurse.
PHN: Public Health Nurse.
Amendments:
1 Added at AGM 10th November 2007.
2 Changed by postal vote May 2008, approved by Revenue June 2008 and ratified at
AGM 18th October 2008.
3 Amendment at AGM 18th October 2008 and approved by Revenue 25th Nov 2008.
4 Amendment at AGM 18th October 2008 and approved by Revenue 25th Nov 2008.
5 Amended AGM 17th October 2009.
6 Added AGM 17th October 2009.
7 Amended AGM 17th October 2009.
ANNUAL LEAVE,
EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS AND ENTITLEMENTS
For full and up-to-date information on rights and
entitlements please refer to the Irish Nurses
Organisation at www.inmo.ie or tel: 01 – 6640 600
Page 24
4.2. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COORDINATORS
FOR PRACTICE NURSES
Background
In 1998, the Department of Health & Children published the findings of the
Commission on Nursing. The Commission had taken cognisance of the submissions
from practice nurses requesting professional support. The Commission
recommended that the Nursing and Midwifery Planning and Development Units in
planning continuing professional development needs of nurses should also assist
practice nurses in their professional development. It also advised that “a practice
nurse be attached to the General Practice Unit within the health board to assist in
identifying and supporting the development needs of practice nurses” (Commission
on Nursing- a blueprint for the future, 1998).
The Commission did however give recognition to the Irish College of General
Practitioners for their assistance to practice nurses in their professional development
and hoped that it would continue.
As a direct result of the recommendations of the Commission, the first Professional
Development Co-ordinator (PDC) for practice nurses post was established in 2002
and subsequently other PDCs were appointed to positions throughout the country,
to work within the NMPDU, with the exception of three posts that would function
within the Primary Care Units of the old Eastern Regional Health Authority (ERHA).
There are now eleven PDCs for practice nurses covering all areas of the country.
Role summary:
To support the professional development of practice nurses and the practice nurse
role within the primary care arena.
MAIN RESPONSIBLITIES
1. Liaison: Developing and maintaining a good working relationship with the
community nursing team and with all members of the primary care team,
with other professionals within the Health Service and other relevant
governmental bodies. Liaising on nursing issues with the Nursing and
Midwifery Planning Development Unit (NMPDU). Initiating and developing
alliances with institutes of higher education.
2. Support and development of the practice nurse role: Helping practice nurses
assess their personal training and educational needs with recognition of the
Scope of Practice for Nursing and Midwifery framework. Help facilitate those
educational needs by providing information on relevant courses and securing
funding to run courses pertinent to practice nurses. Encouraging investment
in practice nurse education which encourages evidence based practice and
improves the quality of service. Supporting the development of the practice
nurse role to its full potential. Primary Care and in particular General Practice
is central to the delivery of health
Page 34
CONTACT DETAILS FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
COORDINATORS (PDCs) FOR PRACTICE NURSING
HSE South (Cork, Kerry)
Marie Courtney, Professional Development Coordinator for Practice
Nursing
NMPDU, 8a South Ring Business Park, Kinsale Road, Cork, Co Cork
Phone: 021-4927468 Fax: 021-4927474 e-mail: marie.courtney@hse.ie
HSE West (Limerick, Clare, North Tipperary)
There is no PDC in post in this area at present.
HSE: Dublin North East (North Dublin City & County, Fingal County)
Rhonda Forsythe, Professional Development Coordinator for Practice
Nursing
PCCC, Health Service Executive, Swords Business Campus, Balheary
Road, Swords, Co Dublin.
Phone: 01-8908740 Fax: 01-8908707 Mobile: 087 2198098 e-mail:
rhonda.forsythe@hse.ie
Term-time.
HSE: Dublin Mid-Leinster (South-West Dublin, West Wicklow, Kildare)
Rita Lawlor, Professional Development Coordinator for Practice
Nursing
Primary Care Unit, Block E, Westland Park, Nangor Road, Clondalkin,
Dublin 12.
Phone: 01-4609667 or (direct line) 01-4609686 Mobile: 086-3837432
Fax: 01-4609697 e-mail: rita.lawlor@hse.ie
HSE West (Galway, Mayo, Roscommon)
Kathy McSharry, Professional Development Coordinator for Practice
Nursing
CNE, St. Mary's Campus, Castlebar, Co. Mayo.
Tel: 094 9042164 Fax: 094 9042075 mobile: 087 1206184 e-mail:
Kathy.McSharry@hse.ie
Page 36
HSE South (Carlow, Kilkenny, South Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford)
Patricia McQuillan, Professional Development Coordinator for Practice
Nursing
NMPD, Office Complex, Kilcreene Hospital, Kilcreene, Co Kilkenny.
Phone: 056-7785613 Fax: 056 7785549 Mobile: 087-2281548 e-mail:
patricia.mcquillan@hse.ie
HSE Dublin North East (East Cavan, Monaghan, Louth, Meath)
There is no PDC in post in this area at present.
HSE: Dublin Mid-Leinster (South-East Dublin, East Wicklow)
There is no PDC in post in this area at present.
HSE Dublin Mid-Leinster (Laois, Offaly, Longford, Westmeath)
There is no PDC in post in this area at present.
HSE West (Donegal)
Ann McGill, Professional Development Coordinator for Practice Nursing
NoWDOC, Unit 1, Letterkenny Business Park, Oldtown, Letterkenny,
Tel: 074 91 67566 Mobile: 087 2199824 e-mail: annm.mcgill@hse.ie
(Monday, Tuesday, Thursday)
HSE West (Sligo, Leitrim, West Cavan)
Kathy Taaffe, Professional Development Coordinator for Practice
Nursing
HSE West, Finn Valley Centre, Stranorlar, Co Donegal.
Mobile: 087 1321 424 Email: kathy.taaffe@hse.ie
(Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday each week: half-time)
Page 37
4.3. CAREER AND ROLE DEVELOPMENT
Clinical Career Pathway for practice Nursing
The Clinical Career Pathway for nursing has been outlined by the National Council for
the Professional Development of Nursing and Midwifery. This pathway assists the
nurse to acquire education and expand knowledge and skills. The pathway extends
from: Practice Nurse to Clinical Nurse Specialist in Primary Care and Advanced Nurse
Practitioner in Primary Care. There are currently two Advanced Nurse Practitioners
and 211 Clinical Nurse Specialists accredited by the National Council.
What is different about each of these roles? (Figure 1)
The Practice Nurse:
It is appropriate that the practice nurse have relevant training in many clinical areas
for e.g.: Asthma, Diabetes, Family Planning and Cervical screening. The ability of the
nurse to perform clinically will be determined by her scope of practice. Further
training will be necessary to achieve clinical nurse specialist status. The expansion of
the practice nurse role should be encouraged through research, publication and
education.
The Clinical Nurse Specialist in Primary Care
The CNS in Primary care has undertaken formal recognized post-registration
education relevant to practice nursing. Such formal education is underpinned by
extensive experience and clinical expertise in practice nursing (National Council for
Nursing and Midwifery, 2003).
The CNS can provide assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation of care given to
clients and their families within the practice. The CNS may make alterations in
prescribed clinical options along agreed protocol driven guidelines with the GP. The
CNS Is expected to participate in nursing research and audit and act as a consultant
in education and clinical practice to nursing/midwifery colleagues and the wider
multidisciplinary team.
The Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care
The role of the advanced nurse practitioner in Primary care is designed to equip
practice nurses to meet the future challenges in general practice. ANP/AMP
(Advanced Midwife Practitioner) roles are developed in response to patient/client
need and healthcare service requirements at local, national and international level.
Advanced nursing and midwifery practice is carried out by autonomous, experienced
practitioners who are competent, accountable and responsible for their own
practice. They are highly experienced in clinical practice and are educated to
master’s degree level (or higher). Professional Development Coordinators (PDCs) for
practice nurses have a role in facilitating practice nurse career development along
these pathways.
The future is bright for the evolution of practice nursing, as the nurse develops
from novice to expert, perhaps becoming a (nurse) practitioner in her own right.
Having a practice nurse as a practice business partner has occurred in General
Practice in other countries and may not be such a novel idea in the future in Irish
General Practice.
Page 38
5.2. USEFUL WEBSITES
pages 46-48
For up-to-date links, please see the “LINKS” page of the IPNA website,
www.irishpracticenurses.ie
Add Further Useful Websites Here
Website
Agency
Page 54
SAMPLE RECORD SHEET - PERSONAL INFORMATION
Name:
As per birth certificate/An
Bord Altranais certificate of
registration:
Usual form of name:
Ms/Miss/Mrs/Mr/Dr:
Date of birth:
Home address:
Telephone number(s):
Home:
Mobile:
Fax number:
E-mail address(es):
An Bord Altranais PIN:
Date of registration in each division of register:
An Bord Altranais
Year of Registration
Other Registration Body
Other Registration
Title
RCN
RGN
RM
RNID
RNT
RPHN
RPN
RNP
This page can be photocopied in order to have clean record sheets for updating purposes.
Page 54