WISHET was organized in 1973 by 31 hospital-based educators. Today our membership mix includes long term care, home health, mental health, and community based education. The goals were to establish some structure and standards as the role of the educator was expanding beyond nursing and clinical training to safety, management, orientation, and new job skill training. The young WISHET organization struggled with creating bylaws, deciding who could be members, and setting goals; but meetings were always "the vibrant lifeblood of WISHET."

WISHET was an affiliate of the national organization ASHET and earned 9 national chapter recognition awards for projects such as publication of patient education material list, an innovative membership drive, and establishment of CEUs. The Board provided funds for the President and President-Elect to attend national conventions - today also WISHET supports its top two leaders with educational funds.

Over the years awards were established to recognize the outstanding contributions and leadership abilities of its members. The Distinguished Educator Award was established in 1986 to recognize a WISHET member who has made a significant contribution to the profession of healthcare education, to their colleagues, and to the WISHET organization.

The 'Silent M' was the first newsletter publication of the organization, followed by 'Directions' for Healthcare Education and Training, and then the current title of 'News for Today's Healthcare Educator.' The newsletter is a way for all healthcare educators to exchange ideas and information for educational materials or resources, projects and presentations, and new ways to handle the old needs in education. It remains a valuable communication tool.

Conferences originally were in conjunction with WHA. Two-level fee schedules started in 1980 so non-members could also attend at a greater fee and members could have a price break and anyone could pay dues to join or renew membership in the organization at the same time. Nationally recognized speakers and WISHET's own expert members have been presenters. Today, WISHET continues to stay on the cutting edge with its conferences.

Membership numbers have been up and down over the years with a peak of over 200 in the late 1980s. WISHET has always tried to reach out to more types of educators and more parts of the State. Over the years, the needs and difficulties have not changed much. Valuable networking and conferences are important and desired; all educators are very involved and have little time. The call for members and for members to participate is seen throughout WISHET's history. 

• WISHET is people - dedicated energetic creative professionals and leaders like you.
• WISHET is conferences - workshops, break-out sessions, usually twice/year
• WISHET is communications - networking, newsletters - sharing ideas
• WISHET values it's members - participation in planning and presenting; recognition
• WISHET is on the cutting edge - now and throughout the years - Join us!

The 'Lamp of Knowledge' has been a symbol used by WISHET since 1977