Next Generation Nursing in Next Generation Health Care

Next Generation Nursing in Next Generation Health Care

May 12, 2016

By: Mary K. Wakefield, Ph.D., RN, HHS Acting Deputy Secretary and Pamela F. Cipriano, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, American Nurses Association President

One of the best decisions we’ve ever made was to become a nurse.
As nurses, we’ve both adhered to the principles that every individual deserves the best care; and that by working together, with patients and other health care providers, we can achieve the best outcomes.
The principles are timeless, but many facets of nursing practice have changed dramatically since we started our careers. Health care in America is changing in some fundamental – and forward-leaning – ways. And, changes in health care can mean important changes in the health of the nation.
Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, 20 million Americans have gained health coverage. Families can now get preventive care at no out-of-pocket cost. They no longer face dollar limits on their coverage. And they can’t be denied coverage just because they get sick.
This is real progress. It means more patients can focus on their recovery and staying healthy, and worry less about how they will pay their bills. And it gives us the opportunity to make our health care system work better for everyone.
The theme of this year’s National Nurses Week is “Culture of Safety.” Keeping patients safe is predicated on building a health care system that rewards safety and high-quality care. It’s also important to create health care environments that allow nurses to feel confident in acting on their critical role in improving safety.
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