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| Vol. 25, No. 8 |
| May 1, 2003 |
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FROM THE PRESIDENT Nursing is the largest health care occupation, with almost 2 million positions across the United States. This issue of Texas Medical Center News celebrates the many contributions nurses make to the missions of patient care, research and education. When providing direct patient care, nurses observe, assess, and record symptoms, reactions, and progress; assist physicians during treatments and examinations; administer medications; and assist in convalescence and rehabilitation. Some also develop and manage nursing-care plans, instruct patients and their families in proper care, and help individuals and groups take steps to improve or maintain their health. The nursing profession has greatly expanded over the past decade; there are currently 2.6 million registered nurses in the United States. However, career forecasters show that in the next seven to 10 years, Texas will need up to 138,000 nurses and nurse aides. The Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics projects nursing as the fastest growing occupation over the next five years, and one that will continue to provide job stability for future generations. Many Texas Medical Center institutions offer special programs and incentives for individuals who want to become, and remain, nurses. One way to ensure that the nursing population rises is to improve the number of faculty in nursing schools. Current state legislation is pending to continue to increase nursing school enrollments by creating a nursing faculty incentive grant program and a grant program to assist health care workers in acquiring the education needed to become registered nurses. By implementing measures such as these, the critical shortage in this health care field may be alleviated. Texas Medical Center hospitals and clinics introduce many nurses to cutting-edge technology; provide the opportunity to work with other top-notch professionals; offer terrific benefits and respect by patients, peers and administrators; and the chance for increased responsibility. Today’s nurses also assume key community health leadership positions and provide education on many of today’s high-risk public health issues, including alcohol, tobacco and narcotic use. “Nurses: A Bright Light on a Proud Tradition,” is the 2003 Texas Nurses Week theme, which takes place May 6 through 12. By tradition, Nurses Week is celebrated on the week leading to Florence Nightingale’s May 12 birthday. This week honors not only the courage and commitment of this pioneer nurse, but also the generations that have followed. Although many facets comprise the nursing profession, one objective remains constant – excellence. Nurses are an integral part of any health care organization, and we applaud these educators, clinicians and researchers who have such a profound, positive impact on health care and the lives they touch.
©2006 Texas Medical Center
E-Mail: tmcinfo@texmedctr.tmc.edu
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