By Prairie View A&M University
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak a global pandemic, and our world view of health forever changed. Suddenly, a large spotlight was shown on health care and the hard work of individuals working in the health care system, including nurses. Night after night, the media highlighted sick patients, health care workers and the care they were providing. We saw wonderful stories of nurses giving care:
- A nurse in New York City who performed rap songs to cheer up patients.
- We saw nurses holding cell phones so that patients could see and speak with their loved ones.
- We saw nurses talking about the new interventions they used, such as placing patients on their stomachs to improve breathing.
- We saw nurses choking back tears as they comforted patients as they drew their last breath.
Across New York City, Boston, Houston and other cities in the U.S., we saw everyday citizens step out of their homes at 7 p.m. to clap, shout and make noise in support of nurses and the health care system. As a nurse, it was a wonderful and moving sight to be publicly acknowledged and thanked for the work many of us perform because we are “called” to help others.
The pandemic has also highlighted the significant disparities in health care among black and brown individuals, having been impacted most. Diverse nurses have stepped up to educate, advocate, create and lead new models of care that will help reduce health disparities and improve health equity for all.
But, slowly, over time, that media spotlight has faded. May 6, 2022, will mark 785 days since the pandemic was declared. We no longer see media stories of individuals leaving the hospital after beating Covid-19, nor do we see reports that showcase the hard work and dedication of nurses. We rarely see media stories featuring nurses or other health care workers. But, we are still there, providing care, supporting patients, educating communities and meeting the health needs of society.
The U.S. has declared this week, May 6-12, as National Nurses Week. It’s a week to remember and acknowledge the hard work and dedication that nurses provide in support of the health and well-being of all society.
It’s also a time to remember that a professional registered nurse is an individual with advanced education in the physical, behavioral and technological sciences who provide autonomous, collaborative and compassionate care to individuals, families and communities to attain, maintain or recover optimal health and quality of life.
In a simpler way, it’s a time to hug, or during these times, elbow bump a nurse and say, “Thank You,” because as long as humans are alive, there should always be a spotlight on our health care heroes.
