In a recent Show Me Your Stethoscope discussion on FB (SMYS, 2024), nurses were asked what they wanted people to know about the real world of nursing. To no one's surprise I'm sure there were comments about the physical and mental demands of a career in nursing and personal sacrifices due to the 24/7 nature of many nursing jobs. However, one commentator pointed out that being a nurse is not about a job. It is a vocation like no other, a profession, and not a job, and one undertaken with a sense of honor and call to duty for a higher purpose. As I reflect on these comments, several thoughts come to mind. One is that some duty worn tired nurses would sigh and refer to the need for work life balance and the current sorry state of nursing. Others might point to the need for leadership to step up to correct the egregious workloads and lack of recognition many of my nurse colleagues hold up under daily. I say silent prayers for effective leadership. And I thank God - forever grateful - for the dedicated nurses who are in effect combat warriors day in and day out in America's health care facilities. I observe and interact with some great nurses in my role in nursing education.

My response to the question "what would you like people to know about the real world of nursing?" is that America's nurses are an incredibly dedicated and skillful group of nurse warriors living in combat conditions day in and day out, often without proper support and/or recognition. They have the strength and capacity to change the world of healthcare. They are the keystones in healthcare delivery yet their voices regarding working conditions are not the ones that count. If you are a nurse, please take a bow and know that you do not stand alone. There are many who recognize the depth and breadth of your sacrifice and are forever grateful for you and what you do. Thank you is not an adequate response. I am simply saying - I am forever grateful to be a nurse and to be your nurse colleague.

Reference

Show Me Your Stethoscope (2024, November 10). What would you like the world to know about the real world of nursing? https://www.facebook.com/showmeyourstethoscopepage/