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National
Nurses Week has long been celebrated as a time to recognize the contributions
that nurses make to the health care of our nation. It is scheduled to
coincide with the May 12 birthday of Florence Nightingale, who is commonly
regarded by the profession and the public as the heroic symbol of nursing.
As
a nurse executive, I always sought to commemorate this week in ways
that would reflect the effect of nurses within our healthcare organizations
and our community. I wanted it to mean more than the seemingly insignificant
gesture that was offered as a symbolic "thank you" for another
year’s work and dedication.
I
tried all sorts of things; some worked, some didn’t. But I never felt
the effort was as meaningful as I had hoped, and I often found myself
wishing I could have done more.
Today,
as I contemplate the growing nursing shortage and the many issues that
plague our profession, it is important that we focus less attention
on ourselves and more on what we can influence and possibly change for
the better.
So
with that spirit in mind, here is my nursing wish list for National
Nurses Week 2000:
- I
wish the federal and state government funded nursing education to
the same extent it funds medical education.
- I
wish that all nursing education programs could accept all academically
qualified applicants, and that the number of graduate and doctoral
students was a function of the BSN students graduated.
- I
wish that nursing deans, directors, and faculty salaries had some
relationship to the market of similarly educated and prepared nurses.
- I
wish that all nursing curricula were fully articulated so that nurses
could continue their education in a logical and efficient manner.
- I
wish every nurse were proud and happy that they chose nursing and
eagerly encouraged their children to follow in their footsteps.
- I
wish every high school career event included nursing and promoted
health professions as honorable and worthy career choices that offer
flexibility and access to many industries.
- I
wish every public or private school had a full-time, on-site nurse
for their students, teaching a health curriculum addressing all healthcare
concerns.
- I
wish every hospital executive spent an entire 12-hour shift with a
registered nurse to better understand the work environment and resource
issues from a patient care perspective.
- I
wish the salary differential between the novice and expert nurse was
similar to that of other professions and recognized differing educational
levels.
- I
wish every healthcare organization recognized the value and importance
of having visible nursing leadership representation at its executive
table.
It
would be easy to go on, as there are endless opportunities to improve
the profession. I would just point out that there are a lot more important
issues to be focusing on for National Nurses Week than the typical.
Forget
the "gift with logo" and do something that will make a difference!
Carol Bradley,
MSN, RN
Editor
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