I would like to call readers' attention to National Nurse , a website and organization dedicated to the goal of having Congress create an Office of the National Nurse. A companion blog can be found here .
The stated goals of creating an Office of the National Nurse are to:
*Elevate the Chief Nurse Officer (CNO) of the US Public Health Service to full time status within the Office of the Surgeon General to become the National Nurse to enhance prevention efforts in all communities.
*Complement the work of the US Surgeon General
*Promote involvement in the Medical Reserve Corps to improve the health and safety of the community.
*Incorporate proven evidence-based public health education when delivering prevention.
The National Nurse website states:
"Nurses know that healthcare is in a crisis with soaring costs and rising epidemics of preventable diseases. Many nurses are calling for change to mobilize nurses in a nationwide effort. They propose that leadership provided by an Office of the National Nurse would strengthen efforts by nurses in every community to assist in initiating a nationwide shift to prevention to yield improved health outcomes."
I recommend that all nurses become familiar with the struggle to create an Office of the National Nurse, and consider becoming involved in whatever way seems appropriate. I plan to do the same, and will continue to investigate and support this worthy and important cause which will not only benefit nurses, but the country as a whole.