Re-post - The Construction of Nursing

In recognition of Nurses Week (May 12-18, 2014) I am reposting from Feb. 6, 2013.
Preparation for nursing begins with role models, a nugget of natural desire, and often ability, to care for others, then nurturing that desire. Nursing school continues the preparation of this highly task oriented and soul driven career.

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Nursing ~ a job, a career, a vocation
The image of the nurse has changed dramatically in 45 years, 
no longer seen with white starched uniforms and caps
We are not relegated to hospitals and doctors offices.
Nurses are spread liberally throughout communities
not just in hospitals, but in clinics, schools, in work places, 
on cruise ships, in isolated communities in the north.
Nurses are street nurses, detox nurses, intensive care nurses, pediatric nurses; nursing specialties abound.

For most nurses in hospitals, we are clothed in scrubs (once only relegated to the Operating Room) and in community clinics attire may be denims and t-shirts.

Nurses are considered by many to be the front line of health care.
(Makes it sound like a battle zone!)

And, I can’t think how many times I’ve heard nurses called
angels of mercy or cruel and heartless.........

It doesn’t seem that what we wear always makes much difference
although when some one of us does take the time to appear ‘professionally dressed' it is appreciated ~ ‘I know who the nurses are.’ 

Whether starched whites or denims and t-shirts, in clinics or hospital units (or pods, or neighbourhoods), nurses aspire to provide the same care.

And then there are all the changes in health care systems that
nurses manage as well as managing their clients.  And we continue aspire to provide the same care.

Hospitals are built, reconfigured and torn down as 
technology changes
space needed is re-evaluated and revamped.

Salaries change with the 
seesaw of union and management conversations
variant budget needs of societies.

Equipment used is upgraded for 
ease of use
improved safety features

Documentation of patient progress is upgraded to
computer driven programs
while many still are pen and paper
some still are transitioning so are using both old and new
always taking care that legalities are maintained.

Despite all these changes - 
nurses in any and all of these areas
ride with the changes (not always patiently so)
caring for their patients and advocating for your good health.

“To do what nobody else will do, a way that nobody else can do,

in spite of all we go through; is to be a nurse.”

~ Rawsi Williams