The Year of the Nurse 2020.
The World Health Organization designated 2020 as the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife.
This year is such a great time for this designation. Healthcare workers of all types are standing in the middle of a global pandemic with COVID-19 and battling this new, unknown virus as they are saving lives, innovating for better outcomes, witnessing miracles and catastrophic illness demise, which our generations have not had to witness before. These healthcare workers are preparing and protecting themselves as they are marching towards the battlefield to do what they do! It is simple for Nurses and caregivers. This is what we do. This is who we are. We take care of people. We take care of our community. We take care of our friends and family, coworkers and physicians, and everyone in our span to assist.
Two Hundred Years ago marks the year of Florence Nightingale’s birth. She was our leader in Nursing. During the Crimean War Florence started her hygiene movement. This was as simple as hand washing. During the 1800’s we did not have hand sanitizer, soap at every washbasin, nor did we have proper sewer systems. This made for deplorable conditions for those who tried to care for the sick and many died from disease that thrived in conditions like these; cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. Florence’s work started with basic sanitation, proper ventilation and sewage systems, which caused a large decrease in the death rates of the hospitals that she worked with.
Hence, Florence developed theories that proper sanitation, ventilation and sewage systems was the reason for the decrease in mortality. Since then, Nurses have been involved in research, theory, bedside nursing, advanced practice, administration and so much more. It is those of us who chose Nursing who continue to lead, innovate and excel in the Medical field that help create groundbreaking discoveries and outcomes.
Therefore, when I see that it is the Year of the Nurse 2020, I send a gigantic hug and thank you to all of you who have chosen this path to care for the sick, injured and fatigued, no matter the consequence. You are leaders and innovators in the Nursing industry and Medical Community. I also ask for prayers for your continued wellness so that you can continue caring for our community, family, friends and coworkers. This is a time of unprecedented expectations and outcomes and you are the people who we look to for guidance, trust and reassurance. Just as we did in the 1800’s when Florence started her crusade.
Thank you for all you do as Nurse’s, Providers, and all Healthcare Workers. Everyone makes a difference and everyone has his or her special power. You are ALL Heroes! Wave your cape and be proud of your profession and the impact you have on your Community!
Thanks for all that you do,
Susan Diddlebock RN, BSN, MHA
Chief Nursing Officer
Memorial Hospital Chester