The Year of the Nurse
Oh my…. how could we have known that “2020: The Year of the Nurse” would have been this kind of year for the nurse? Instead of celebrations highlighting the various aspects and contributions of nursing, we have been risking our lives on the frontlines in the face of a global pandemic. Stress and anxiety multiplied as workloads mounted and new PPE requirement needs created crisis after crisis in workplaces across the US and world. Only those who lived to tell the tale can accurately describe the terrors encountered by nurses over the past year. As the calendar flipped from 2020 to 2021, the question most often on the minds of nurses was, “will this continue or is relief on the way?” The good news? Yay! 2020 and 2021 are over! It is 2022.
The Essence of Nursing
In light of 2021, what would nurses have to say about the top qualities of an exceptional nurse? Few could deny that nurses are dedicated and physically and mentally tough, willing and able to go above and beyond the call of duty. What we know now - after 2021 is how far – and how often --nurses can and will go above and beyond the call of duty. Was it for personal benefit or gain? No, I don’t think so, being a nurse myself. Going above and beyond at this level, and by so many, is answering a personal and professional call of duty beyond a paycheck, recognition, or advancement. This level of dedication and self-sacrifice for a greater cause --- to prevent and alleviate suffering, death and disease – points to the essence of nursing. Completing Ottawa University’s online RN-BSN program will give you the knowledge and tools to help you follow your passion of helping others and making differences in people’s lives.
Nursing Skills
As incredible as it sounds, there is more that nurses have to offer than the highest level of dedication and self-sacrifice in times of need. Nurses are incredibly knowledgeable and are skilled in a wide range of areas. Compiling a list of top nursing skills could be endless. We must be detail oriented and competent in many areas to prevent illness, restore mental, physical, social and community health, and alleviate human suffering. We must be well educated and stay on top of key nursing trends and critical nursing theories learned from earning a nursing degree. Other nursing skills include the ability to make quick decisions, have the right personal touch, and display empathy and compassion.
The Future of Nursing
As the new year begins, rather than asking if it is finally over, perhaps we can pause to reflect on what has happened to the profession of nursing after 2021. Well…. what do nurses think? What has changed? Is it us as nurses, is it the role, is it the profession, all of the above, or none of the above? Perhaps one of the most significant takeaways of the years 2020 and 2021 is that the unique qualities of exceptional nurses were finally highlighted! Nurses were suddenly in the spotlight on a visibility scale like never before. Nurses became the heroes of our time. There is so much to the story of the Year of the Nurse – 2020 style.
Don’t be afraid to ask a nurse what they do. If they are not too modest, you will be amazed. We are exceptional! Now, let’s use every opportunity to tell our story of the 2020 Year of the Nurses and to advocate for the change needed in 2022.
Nurses save lives – time and again, all the time. If you are interested in becoming a steward of hope, Ottawa University’s online RN-BSN program can help you become an exceptional nurse and change the lives of those in need.
Online Nursing Programs
The courses in Ottawa University’s online RN-BSN program introduce you to a world of career opportunities. Ottawa University also offers our RN to MSN program for qualified students. This program supports the health care profession’s overall goals for increasing the number of BSN and MSN prepared nurses in the workforce as well as facilitating progression to higher degrees. Contact us today for more information!