Nurses: The Underappreciated Champions of Health Care
Every May, health care organizations nationwide commemorate National Nurses Week—a period devoted to recognizing the relentless dedication, compassion, and essential role that nurses occupy within the health care framework. As Nurses Week comes to an end, it’s a meaningful opportunity to contemplate not only their daily efforts but also the remarkable vocation that defines the nursing field.
For Dr. Matthew Moeller, a gastroenterologist with 20 years in medicine, the value of nurses is profoundly personal and rooted in extensive collaboration. His transformation from an inquisitive medical student to a skilled practitioner was significantly aided by the mentorship, encouragement, and education provided by nurses.
Nurses: The Primary Educators in Clinical Environments
In his formative years, Dr. Moeller, like many future physicians, heavily relied on the guidance and understanding of nurses. Whether mastering IV insertion or grasping the proper administration of electrolytes, it was nurses who often served as the hands-on instructors in a bustling hospital setting. While some essential medical knowledge was gleaned from textbooks and lectures, a large portion of practical wisdom—and essential survival techniques—came from those working at the bedside.
During his residency and later, nurses provided crucial perspectives on patient care, particularly in specialized areas such as the intensive care unit (ICU), where their knowledge and insight frequently exceeded that of less experienced doctors. They didn’t merely deliver care—they exemplified empathy, multitasking ability, and resilience, all while navigating the expectations of patients, families, and their fellow professionals.
The Foundation of Medical Care
Nurses are indispensable across all specialties. For Dr. Moeller, practicing in gastroenterology illuminated the invaluable role of nurses. They frequently were the first to detect subtle indicators of patient discomfort during procedures. They communicated complex and emotionally challenging diagnoses with sensitivity. They advocated for patients not only with their medical teams but also by addressing administrative obstacles such as lengthy hold times with insurance representatives.
Additionally, they forged profound connections with patients—relationships so significant that some individuals returned not only to consult a doctor once more, but to reconnect with the nurse who had made a lasting impact. It’s evident: in the perception of many patients, nurses are the essence of health care.
A Profession Characterized by Sacrifice
Despite their substantial contributions, the nursing profession is riddled with challenges. Nurses often contend with both physical and emotional fatigue. They spend lengthy hours on their feet, are frequently overlooked in patient satisfaction evaluations, and are often undervalued or even mistreated.
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these challenges. For a fleeting moment, society recognized them as heroes. Yet beneath the surface of social media tributes and televised coverage lay severe shortages of protective equipment, unsafe working conditions, and overwhelming patient volumes due to staffing shortages.
As the pandemic progressed, initial empathy shifted to frustration. Nurses faced backlash from patients and families due to prolonged wait times and diminished services. Amid an overwhelmed system, they pressed on—caring for others while confronting their own health issues, exhaustion, and moral dilemmas.
The Sorrowful Aftermath: A Declining Workforce
The pressures and traumas of recent times have left a profound impact. Many nurses, confronted with stagnant salaries, inadequate workplace safeguards, and escalated demands, opted to exit the field entirely. This resulted in a cycle of burnout: fewer nurses led to increased strain on those who stayed, further fueling attrition.
Yet, despite this harsh reality, those who remain dedicated are resolute in their mission. Their steadfast commitment serves as a poignant reminder of the humanity at the heart of health care.
Recognition Beyond a Week
Nurses Week is a crucial occasion to express gratitude. However, acknowledgments of their efforts should not be confined to just one week. Every shift, every procedure, each word of comfort to a grieving family member, or each moment spent championing a patient’s well-being warrants recognition and respect.
Dr. Moeller aptly emphasizes that physicians, regardless of their expertise, are incomplete without their nursing counterparts. Medical outcomes rely on more than just medications and interventions—they depend on empathy, communication, and attentive care, all areas where nurses excel.
As the famed football coach Bo Schembechler once articulated, “Those who stay will be champions.” This sentiment resonates powerfully within the nursing community. Despite challenges, those who persist in nursing emerge not merely as champions—but as the enduring soul of health care.
They deserve more than mere thanks. They deserve action. This entails fair compensation, safe staffing ratios, mental health resources, and acknowledgment of their invaluable skills. Until we achieve this, let us not only honor our nurses—but advocate for them in return.
— By [Author Bio, as applicable]
Note: Inspired by the insights of Dr. Matthew Moeller, gastroenterologist and author of What It’s Like to Become a Doctor: The Year-by-Year Journey From Medical Student to Practicing Physician.