New leader cites need for nurses

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The nation needs more people like Barbara Moran -- about 1 million more, a federal study shows.

The U.S. faces a chronic shortage of nurses to meet the medical demands of aging baby boomers, according to the report by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

"It's going to be a difficult situation for our country," said Mrs. Moran, a certified nurse midwife. "And we're working to our capacity to provide qualified nurses that are motivated about patient care."

Mrs. Moran has been elected 2008 president of the board of directors of the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses.

The national association is composed of nurses who specialize in the care of women and newborns. Its 22,000 members receive educational materials and a network of support to help them become better caretakers.

Mrs. Moran, an assistant professor of obstetrics at Catholic University, works one day a week as a certified nurse midwife at Anderson Andersen & Maanavi Ltd., an Annandale medical practice.

She also has worked as a public health nurse and an obstetrics-gynecology nurse practitioner, and has conducted research on the effects of domestic violence on pregnancy.

Mrs. Moran joined the association when she moved from Hawaii to the District 20 years ago.

As president-elect, Mrs. Moran is motivated to reach out to new college graduates who are interested in health care careers.

"Our primary goal is the development of nursing leaders," said Mrs. Moran. "We want to do everything we can to incorporate them into our organization."

The U.S. has about 1.9 million registered nurses, 218,000 short of current demand, according to the HHS report. By 2020, the nation will need more than 1 million additional nurses to attend to the increasing demands of patients, the report said.

Mrs. Moran is more than willing to reach out to those with an interest in nursing.

She will help plan the association's 2008 national convention, an annual gathering for members to network and discuss issues regarding women's health care.

Mrs. Moran said she looks forward to the event every year. "I love the interaction and the opportunities to talk to nurses from across the country," she said.

Mrs. Moran also will assist the nursing association's finance committee, coordinate meetings with the board of directors and push the organization's legislative agenda on Capitol Hill.

"I think Barbara will be excellent in the role," said Judy Poole, chairman of the board. "Barbara has given testimony on the Hill, she is very politically savvy and is very comfortable with pushing legislative issues and visions for newborns and women."

Mrs. Moran received a doctorate in nursing from the University of Virginia in 1994. She received master's degrees in nursing and public health from the University of Hawaii in 1979 and a bachelor's degree in nursing from Villanova University in 1970.

She lives in Dunn Loring with her husband, Fred.

-- Bryce Baschuk