How nurses, health care meet the challenge

by Susan Trossman, RN

It's one of the first lessons learned in nursing school: Treat the whole person and be open to differing beliefs about health and illness. Among the required reading often is a chapter on cultural differences.

But are nurses and their employers truly prepared to deliver quality care to all people in the United States -- a country that no longer is described as a melting pot but as a cultural salad?

Nurses' opinions on this issue vary, as do their employers' approaches to providing health care workers with the tools they need to care for diverse patient populations.

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'Nurses Care for America' convention offers nurses a dose of history, a range of opportunities

by Susan Trossman, RN

Some 3,000 registered nurses attending ANA's 2002 Biennial Convention in Philadelphia had the opportunity to hear stories of nurses' courage under extreme circumstances, learn the latest about the human genome project, gain new knowledge and skills at continuing education sessions, and build professional and personal relationships with colleagues from around the country and beyond.

The three-day event, titled "Nurses Care for America," was kicked off by a medley of patriotic songs by Alexandria Royal Fyfes, Drums and Trumpets, followed by a moment of silence to remember the victims of September 11 Ð including 10 nurses and one student nurse. There also was a slideshow tribute to nurses and others who responded during those tragic days.

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