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They were everyday people doing extraordinary things.
Each was quite exceptional in different ways. The seven
astronauts aboard the space shuttle Columbia were diverse
in almost every measurable way, but shared an overwhelming
fascination and drive for flying and space exploration.
All seemingly chose their paths early in life. But if
not for the tragedy of their loss to us and to science,
we might still be unaware of who they were and what
they accomplished at a relatively young age.
For those of us exposed daily to the accomplishments
of "science," although in a different form
than aerospace, our work in health care might seem ordinary
and routine. But to those unfamiliar or inexperienced
with the rapid advances in medicine and nursing, what
nurses do today in the many walks of our profession
is frequently awe-inspiring as well.
Ironically, many of our strongest advocates, those
who have personally experienced care at our hands, have
come to know us through crisis or tragedy. Confrontations
with disease, illness, accident and injury become more
common as we travel through life, all incidents requiring
some contact with a nurse.
The public also can become familiar with nurses in
other ways-through schools, community service and other
settings in which nurses work today. Given the manner
in which the public is exposed to nursing, we should
guard that experience closely, ensuring that an individual's
first impression of nursing is one of competence, compassion
and professionalism.
However, those unfamiliar with the work of nurses in
a real sense may form their opinion by way of modern
media, such as the television sitcom "Scrubs"
or local newspaper headlines forewarning a strike. We
should be concerned about these inaccurate and distorted
images. The increasing shortage of nurses and the resulting
media attention give us a challenge to constructively
manage the harsh spotlight to enlighten others and ultimately
benefit our profession.
It's overdue for us all to engage the public in the
issues of concern to nursing. People need a real understanding
of who nurses are and what we do before they need us.
Nurses-regardless of position, politics or educational
level-need to hold strong to our values of education,
competence, caring and professionalism, and be focused
on how they are transmitted to our patients, nursing
students and young people. We need to manage the message,
and make sure it is delivered to the right audiences.
Discuss this and other topics with your colleagues
at www.nurseweek.com/rnvillage
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