DOI: 10.1097/01.JTN.0000318916.60133.c7

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Issn Print: 1078-7496

Publication Date: 2007/10/01


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Let Your Voice Be Heard!

Kathryn Schroeter

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How many times have you heard someone complain about current situations in the world…about government…or education…or even health care? Do you join in with the complaining? Does it bother you? Do you prefer to just walk away and not get involved? As individuals, each of us has the right to decide what we believe and whether or not to get involved. As nurses, we are trained to avoid being judgmental about our patients. We are usually able to put aside our personal beliefs and values to care for our patients—even when the patients' beliefs are fundamentally opposed to those of our own. In fact, we are trained to advocate for our patients even when in disagreement with them.
For some of us, this is a very difficult process and it may be necessary to opt out of some patient care procedures if they conflict with our personal religious beliefs or professional integrity.
I am also speaking about times when nurses need to voice their concerns regarding issues that influence nursing as a profession. As nurses we need to make decisions about issues that impact not only our practice but also our profession. First, as professional nurses, we need to analyze and identify what our issues are. For example, do we need to advocate for a standardized minimum level of entry into practice? Do we need to address concerns about patient safety, staffing levels, licensure, and certification requirements? Should our practice be determined at the state or federal level? How should health care provision be decided and what type of health care system should nurses support?
There are many questions out there, and if we as nurses cannot come to consensus on any of them, our profession will lag behind other healthcare professions, such as pharmacists and physicians. It is time to let our voices be heard. We need to get involved with our professional organizations, state board of nursing, and other governmental activities that affect our practice. Write to your senators and congressmen/women, and share with them the perspective of a professional nurse. When you see the image of nursing being represented negatively, call or write to the television station, newspaper, etc. Do whatever it takes to let the public know what nursing stands for.
As an educator, I know that it is also important for nurses to identify their learning needs. That is why nurses who plan educational programs, such as the next Society of Trauma Nurses' (STN's) conference, need input from other nurses. These nurses strive to plan a program that will address current topics and promote best practice and they take into consideration the feedback and suggestions from those nurses who comprise their audience. The 2008 Conference will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana, and the following are but a few of some of the significant and valuable topics that will be presented:
There will also be coverage of some rapid-fire controversies such as:
So, I encourage you to attend the 2008 STN Conference and, while you are there, share your thoughts, needs, and concerns with those whom you have elected to represent you. Talk to your board members and organizational leaders and tell them what you need to know in order to be more prepared and better educated practitioners.
As the editor of the Journal of Trauma Nursing, I also encourage you to contact me and let me know what you need to see in the journal.
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