Scrubs Magazine Celebrates the “Year of the Nurse”

Nurses play a vital role in the healthcare industry and our local communities. With over 3 million nurses across the country and over 19 million across the Globe, educating and empowering these healthcare providers is the key to improving the healthcare industry as a whole. Nurses not only care for their patients, but they also educate the larger community about various health issues. As caregivers, educators, and communicators, nurses are the thread between everyday patients and the health of the world.

It is for these and many other reasons why 2020 has officially been designated as the “Year of the Nurse”.

Scrubs Mag proudly announces that we will join countless healthcare organizations around the world, including the American Nurses Association, the American Nurses Credentialing Center, and the American Nurses Foundation, in celebrating all that nurses do for their communities. Healthcare industry officials plan to engage with nurses, thought leaders, and consumers to spur innovation in the field of nursing.

The general population is aging fast as more baby boomers get ready to retire. These individuals will need around-the-clock care in the years ahead. Meanwhile, the cost of healthcare continues to rise as the industry experiments with new technology and other ways of engaging patients. If providers are going to usher in a new era of healthcare, take on more leadership roles, and improve patient outcomes, nurses will need to be front and center.

Celebrating the “Year of the Nurse”

Here at Scrubs Mag, we understand how crucial nurses are to the healthcare system at large, as well as to the experiences of everyday patients. They spend more time with patients than any of their colleagues. They also make up the largest group of healthcare providers.

Nurses play all kinds of roles in the healthcare industry and the larger community. In addition to caring directly for their patients, nurses advise schools, community centers, and other organizations on proper health practices. They facilitate care within the larger community by relaying important information to individuals across various industries. The “Year of the Nurse” campaign will focus on inclusivity, spotlighting the various roles nurses play within the community.

Yet, nurses often take a back seat to facility administrators and other policy makers. Nurses have valuable information to share regarding the patient experience and the inner workings of the care delivery system. That’s why Scrubs Mag, the ANA, and other healthcare organizations are encouraging more nurses to take on leadership roles in the industry, so they can better advocate for their patients and help the industry overcome challenges. These challenges include improving patient engagement, reducing the price of care, and incorporating the latest technology into the patient experience.

The “Year of the Nurse” campaign will spotlight all that nurses do for their patients, the healthcare industry, and the larger community. The healthcare community also wants to better understand the overall value of nursing, so it can funnel more resources into the research, education, and development of nurses around the country.

This year, National Nurses Week, which traditionally runs from May 6th to 12th, will expand to run throughout the entire month of May, giving everyone a chance to show their appreciation for nurses. It’s just one example of how the industry is putting the spotlight on this elite group of professionals.

Why 2020? Why Now?

Nurses have been going above and beyond for their patients for years, so why is 2020 considered the “Year of the Nurse”? This year marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.

The campaign also comes at a time of great change for the healthcare industry. The nursing profession is expected to grow at a rate of 12% over the next ten years as the demand for care continues to rise. Large portions of the nation are already struggling with a shortage of healthcare providers, leaving some to wonder if we have enough nurses to keep up with patient demand.

The industry is also in a period of transition as more practices and facilities incorporate the latest technology into everyday patient interactions. As the face of modern care, nurses will need to educate their patients about the latest technology, so they feel comfortable using it on their own. Telehealth, health apps, and other new programs have the potential to reduce the price of care, increase access to care (especially in rural areas), and improve patient outcomes.

The “Year of the Nurse” will encourage more nurses to take on leadership positions while making sure these valuable professionals have the resources and training they need to further their careers.

As a nurse, this is your year. Consider taking on a larger role in your facility or the community at large with some help from the ANA and other healthcare organizations. You can use the hashtag #yearofthenurse and follow Scrubs Mag and the ANA on social media to get involved. Visit the official ANA website to learn more about what this exciting program means for you and your colleagues.