‘Nurses lead the way’

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- National Nurses' Week begins May 6 and ends May 12, Florence Nightingale's birthday. Nursing's role since Nightingale's time has changed tremendously; still, with all the changes taking place around us, nurses continue to lead the transformation of our health care system to meet the ever-growing demand for prevention, wellness and primary care services.

The work of America's 3.1 million registered nurses to save lives and protect the health of millions is the focus of National Nurses' Week. This year's theme, "Nurses lead the way," highlights the diverse ways in which registered nurses, the largest group of health care professionals, are working to improve the health of America.

Like most public servants, nurses provide care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year, in a variety of settings. Whether it's helping a patient understand a complex procedure, comforting family members, conducting research or teaching future nurses, the scope of nursing practice is expanding to meet the ever-changing health care needs of America.

In the true spirit of caring, nurses routinely go above and beyond to deliver excellent patient care. To that end, nurses continue to capture patient and public trust. For the past 13 years, the public has voted nursing as the most ethical and honest profession in America, according to Gallup's annual survey. Nurses spend more time with patients than any other health care providers, allowing them to establish a greater level of trust and comfort.

In today's Air Force, the nurse is a dynamic member of the health care team. Nurses are able to see the "big picture," which is also a skill employed by great leaders.

Nurses at Maxwell are no exception. We are proud of the 32 registered nurses who are serving the 42nd Medical Group. During National Nurses' Week, render a salute to all nurses, whose caring and skills have changed the face of medicine and changed the lives of our patients for the better.