Recently,
the Nephros South officers made a presentation to the Nursing 197, Strategies for Success in Nursing, class. The scope of
the course is to provide an overview of the nature of the profession of nursing and practical strategies useful in accomplishing
the goal of completing a degree in nursing. Specifically, we were to address two of the course objectives: to identify the
roles and responsibilities of a registered nurse and to compare and contrast the educational preparation of registered nurses.
Needless
to say, this required some deep thought and soul searching for us, remembering back some 15 to 30 years ago, when we were
preparing to enter our own nursing careers. After a couple of meetings, several email discussions, many drafts of notes, and
a last minute rehearsal in the car on the way over to Palomar College, we were ready to impart our histories, accomplishments
and dreams on our captive audience of future nurses. WE WERE READY!
We
came armed with colorful posters and informative brochures. We expounded on personal and professional histories and experiences.
We discussed our educational biases. We enthusiastically described in detail our roles and responsibilities, our challenges
and goals. And, yes, we more than adequately advanced the opportunities and benefits
of nephrology nursing. Some of their questions and comments, however, brought
us back to the reality that our future nurses knew little about nursing, much less nephrology nursing.
What
really came out of all of this was the realization that each of us was still in nursing because we still want to be nurses.
If we did not inspire any of these students, we certainly rekindled our own commitment to continue to care for our patients.
Regardless of job title or credentials, we all seek to give our patients the best care possible. Nursing is caring for patients,
whether we are nursing administrators, nursing instructors, patient educators, bedside nurses, advanced practice nurses, nurses
in research.
Nursing
is also advocating for each other. What we do lack as a profession is the ability to speak powerfully in a unified way. We
have allowed internal conflict over educational preparation and other issues to undermine our ability to negotiate for what
we need and want and to support a unified leadership. We are in the midst of a serious nursing shortage. We need nurses.
While
retaining the traditions which reflect the seriousness and commitment of nursing, we also need to embrace the changes which
will advance nursing as a profession to be taken seriously. We can develop technology, but we cannot manufacture nurses. We
need to cultivate an environment, in which a desire to become a professional nurse will grow.
As the prophet, Kahlil Gibran, wrote Life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday. By fostering a desire for service
in our youth we can encourage more youth to enter nursing, and by mentoring new nurses we can propel them into the future
of nursing.
Nephros
South has established a few goals to advance some of these ideals. Last year we implemented the CARE FOR THE CAREGIVER theme,
in which we awarded prizes and gifts at each meeting to pamper and personally appreciate our members. While offering quality
educational programs and opportunities for networking, we promoted a fun and caring atmosphere.
This
year our theme is CARE FOR THE COLLEAGUE, awarding a free membership and/or meeting at each chapter event. We have plans
to educate youth about nursing, to welcome nursing students to the profession, to offer educational programs to patients,
to present outstanding educational programs, including the Second Annual All Day Education Program, and, most important, to
celebrate the 25th anniversary of Nephros South.
There
is much to be done. I cannot think of a better way to nurture new nurses and
to support your colleagues than to be an active participant in your nephrology nursing organization, Nephros South. It is
as old fashioned as communication and teamwork. Please join us. These are my thoughts. I welcome yours.
Kathi Amarillas, RN, CNN Chapter Secretary 2003
