Nurses now have the rare opportunity to participate in the development of their own profession—but quick action is required.
The American Nurses Association (ANA) is asking for YOUR input on the draft of the revised Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice. 

I never think of the future – it comes soon enough.
Albert Einstein

Two distinguished organizations disagree with Einstein and have launched an ambitious initiative: The Initiative on the Future of Nursing. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) have partnered in a 2-year effort “to find solutions to the continuing challenges facing the nursing profession, and to build upon nursing-based solutions to improve quality and transform the way Americans receive healthcare.” (RWJF, 2009a).

 Most healthcare facilities have taken action to address the National Patient Safety Goals (NPSGs) and other Joint Commission safety initiatives.  Since 2006, the second goal, NPSG #2, has required a standardized approach to patient hand-off communications, including an opportunity to ask and respond to questions. 

Approximately one-half million, or 20 percent, of the 2.5 million registered nurses in the United States have achieved specialty certifications.  A 2006 study that included 11,000 certified and non-certified nurses and nurse managers found that the top perceived values of certification include:

• Enhanced professional credibility,
• Evidence of professional commitment, and
• Feelings of personal accomplishment and satisfaction.

Since it was first identified in April, the 2009 H1N1 flu strain, also known as swine flu, has infected more than 1 million Americans and killed nearly 600, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates.