Why Nurses Are the Unsung Heroes of Global Healthcare

[herring_RN, ASN, BSN]

why nurses are the unsung heroes of global health

sheila davis, dnp, anp-bc, faan director of global nursing, partners in health

we are in the midst of celebrating international nurses week, which culminates on may 12 with the birthday of florence nightingale. although our founding mother of modern nursing would be impressed with the health technology of today, i am sure she would be sorely disappointed by the ongoing invisibility of nurses, which she fought so hard to overcome during her lifetime.

everyone knows someone who is a nurse. in addition to health clinics and hospitals, we work in your children's schools, at your workplace, in all branches of military service and in your places of worship. there are more than 3 million registered nurses in the united states alone. but the vast majority of nurses -- over 32 million of them -- work in other parts of the world. ...

... but although nurses deliver 90 percent of all healthcare services worldwide, they remain largely invisible at decision-making tables in national capitals and international agencies. their absence constitutes a global health crisis. ...

... international nurses week is a time of reflection, celebration and hope. i am proud to be part of a strong community of nurses at partners in health. if florence nightingale saw our nurses providing compassionate care to millions of people in the poorest parts of the world, i think she would be proud as well....

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sheila-davis-dnp-anpbc-faan/international-nurses-week_b_1499802.html