This month, during National Nurses Week, I had the honor of meeting volunteers from AMSN committees. I shared that volunteering for professional organizations is a great way to advocate, and giving your time is a valuable gift. Some say nurses “owe” the profession, but I disagree. Contributions outside of regular work are choices, and I am grateful for the time and energy AMSN’s volunteers give to this organization.
Nursing can be a calling or a profession by choice, but it’s always rooted in expertise, compassion, and commitment. Our power comes from our knowledge, our skills, and our unwavering commitment to patient care. This power is amplified when we use our voices to shape policies, advocate for our patients, and influence the future of healthcare.
As we reflect on the state of our profession every May, I am reminded of the immense power that lies within the nursing community. With over four million nurses across the United States, our collective voice is both diverse and strong. We come from different backgrounds, hold a range of perspectives, and — naturally — we will not always agree on every issue. We can all agree that decisions in healthcare are better when nurses are at the table where decisions are made.
We know from research and experience that nurses bring a unique perspective to every discussion. Our daily work requires rapid, informed decision-making, critical thinking, and adaptability qualities that are essential at any decision-making table. Whether in acute care, community health, or leadership, nurses are often the first to recognize challenges and the best equipped to propose practical solutions. Our experience, both as individuals and as a collective, is a vital resource for healthcare systems striving to improve patient care and operational efficiency.
“We can all agree that decisions in healthcare are better when nurses are at the table where decisions are made.”
The presence of nurses in decision-making roles ensures that real-world clinical insights inform strategy and policy, leading to better outcomes for patients and communities. When nurses have the authority to make decisions about their practice and participate in shaping workplace policies, patient outcomes improve, and job satisfaction rises. True power in nursing is not just about influence; it is about being recognized as essential contributors to every level of healthcare decision-making.
As we continue to advocate for our profession, we must also remember to prioritize our needs as individual humans. The demands of our profession are significant, and taking time to care for ourselves is critically important. By prioritizing well-being, nurses take steps to ensure they remain strong, resilient, and ready to lead.
Thank you for your dedication, your passion, and your unwavering commitment to making a difference. There is power in nursing and our strength is multiplied when we support one another, honor our experiences, and care for ourselves.
Watch Kristi’s video message to AMSN members celebrating National Nurses Week and Month!