The Minnesota Nurses Association will mark its centennial with a week-long celebration and annual convention starting Thursday.

Organizers expect 1,200 Minnesota nurses to attend over the six-day event. The theme for the week is "Celebrate our Legacy. Shape our Destiny." Featured speakers include public radio personality Garrison Keillor, New York Times health columnist Jane Brody and distinguished experts in the health care profession.

Workshops will address a wide range of topics including patient care, ergonomics, ethics, nursing leadership, automated medical records, as well as U.S. labor history and the future of the AFL-CIO.

Special events during the week-long gala include a career opportunity fair, a comedy night, a film night, and a dinner cruise.

A special exhibit will showcase historic nursing uniforms. An exhibitors hall will offer displays and product demonstrations.

Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2005, will mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of the MNA with a special dinner and dancing.

Business of the annual convention will include the regular biennial election of all officers and other elected MNA leaders.

For more information
Contact MNA at 651-646-4807 or visit the MNA website, www.mnnurses.org