Advancing the Nation's Health

Pat Patterson of the OR Manager says "Here's one of the best ideas we've heard in a long time-- National Nurse." In an article she wrote in the July 2005 issue, Pat discussed the role of the National Nurse quoting Teri Mills throughout the article.

Teri has discussed the focus on prevention as well as lowering health care costs and increasing visibility to the roles of nurses.

Pat oulined some of the things Teri Mills discussed regarding the role of the National Nurse:

• Highlight health education through 15-minute weekly programs that would also be available on the Internet.
• Help teachers spread the word about good health through downloadable lesson plans.
• Promote a National Nurse Corps to enhance health in the nation's communities.
• Promote legislation for a healthier nation.
• Give public recognition to the work nurses do every day.
  
• Help stem the nursing shortage by attracting people to the profession.

On a personal front, I have had a much better experience with nurses than doctors and I am a strong proponent of preventative care versus 'disease management' which I think is too much the focus of our mainstream Western medicine today.

On a recent trip to the Cathedral of the Pines, I was reminded of the important role nurses have played throughout our history.

One of the better known attractions of Rindge, New Hampshire, the Cathedral of the Pines has an 'Altar of the Nations' and the 'Memorial Bell Tower'. The Cathedral is shielded by towering pines and a backdrop is a magnificent view of Mount Monadnock. It was built in memory of Lt. Sanderson Sloane who died in combat in 1944. The Memorial Bell Tower is the first memorial for women who sacrificed their lives for our country.

A bronze tablet on the north arch of the tower depicts Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, assisting a wounded soldier from the battlefield during the Civil War. This plaque honors the women nurses serving the combat forces.

Nurses have always played an important role in the history of healthcare, and the office of National Nurse will move us forward in advancing healthcare in the U.S.