Preparing for the Future

Pictured: June Schulte

As the mother of five adult children, I have many reasons to support the National Nurse Act of 2006. Now that they have moved on from home, I am concerned that they have access to good, affordable health care. My reasons arise as questions: Will my children have a way to get their health related questions answered? Will my child with diabetes know enough about self care? Will our country ever get a national health focus that encompasses the needs of growing families?

My sister is a nurse, so I know nurses give a lot to their profession. When I served as a hospital chaplain intern, I quickly saw how vital our nurses are. They are on the front lines of care and most people trust their nurses to assist their care and to answer important questions about their care. When one patient with diabetes I was following complained of leg pain following surgery, it was a nurse who discovered the infection.

How will we cope with the evident nursing shortage that is looming? What if there is a national health emergency? How can we encourage nursing vocations? I am soon to become a grandmother; what does the future of health care in this country look like?

Isn't it about time that we take action for today and prepare for the future through the National Nurse Act, so that nursing in America can have a central focus? I say YES, and what took us so long?! Thank-you, nurses!!

~ June M. Schulte, Jericho, Vermont