NURSES PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN HEALTH CARE
LATHAM, NY -- (05/05/2005) -- Although nurses are often depicted in the media as almost invisible helpers for physicians, in real life registered nurses are the glue that holds the healthcare system together.
Registered nurses are the most numerous healthcare professionals -230,000 are licensed in New York. They provide expert care in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, medical offices, and homes. They work in a wide range of specialties, from prenatal care to gerontology. They touch people at every phase of their lives.
"Registered nurses are independent healthcare professionals," said Lola Fehr, executive director of the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA). "By state law, RNs are empowered to assess patients. conditions and conduct nursing diagnoses. They administer medications, treatments, and therapies. They have the ultimate responsibility for monitoring and advocating for patients."
To send a message that registered nurses are skilled professionals who are always there for patients, NYSNA has produced public service announcements in television, radio, and newspaper formats for use during National Nurses Week, May 6-12. The 30-second television spot may be viewed online at
www.nysna.org.
Some facts about New York nurses:
-- The average age of a New York RN is 47, up from 41 in 1989. Just over five percent of New York RNs are men and 20 percent are members of minority groups.
-- About 54 percent of New York RNs work in hospital settings. The next largest segments work in nursing homes (9 percent), public health or home care (7 percent), and school health (6 percent).
-- It is projected that there will be a statewide shortage of 30,800 RNs by 2007. A key factor: job stress. Nearly 30 percent of hospital staff nurses who have left the profession cite job stress as the top reason. (Source: September 2002 Survey of Registered Professional Nurses, New York State Education Department)
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Just doing my part as a NY nurse. 
