Opening Remarks Connecticut League For Nursing Student Day, December 2, 1999 Southington, CT (Aqua Turf)

By Diana Ballard, CLN President

Welcome to the last Connecticut League For Nursing Student Day of the twentieth century! This is the greatest time in history to be living. The dreams of the past are now reality.

With all of the hype accompanying the transition into a new millennium, I am observing a new emphasis on caring. The word ‘caring’ is being used in many more contexts. In fact, what used to be called customer service is now called customer care. This can be seen across almost any industry.

Celebrities and public figures are boosting this movement-- to do more ‘caring things’ and get involved. In many quarters people are working hard to extend caring in some form to those who may not have the means to care for themselves.

Whether it is for health care, basic needs, food, housing or whatever, I am seeing more encouragement for everyone to adopt a caring attitude.

An article in the Wall Street Journal just two days ago featured an organization in Florida called ‘We Care’ -whose purpose for existence is to obtain health care for those who cannot pay; literally begging for free care for the very poor who would otherwise have to go without. I even saw a piece about a lawyers group, not based in Connecticut, that is forming a movement to promote compassion in the legal field and the practice of law.

I think you get the message. At least from some corners, caring is in!

There are those, however, who are in a unique position in this arena. I’m referring, of course, to nurses. Nurses are pioneers in caring. Nurses have always cared.

Along with keeping up with health care advances, rapidly changing technology and ongoing challenges within the health care system itself, the caring nurse has always been a constant.

Everyone here today is involved in the profession of nursing; most importantly, so many students, who are choosing this wonderful profession as their life’s work.

You are joining the caring pioneers!

The relationship between nurses and their patients is a sacred and special one—one that all of us should be committed to preserving. Nurses have opportunities to care every day. Patients frequently share those stories of caring, experiences that have helped them to deal with those aspects of the health care system that can be scary and intimidating. Experiences that have made a difference in their life!!

I am not going to say that nurses should be extremely proud of what they do and of what their profession means to all of us -- I am saying that nurses must be proud of these things.

The true rewards of nursing come from the best place of all—from within ourselves, from the value that each nurse places on their own work and from the satisfaction that comes from the professional choice they have made and the difference it makes to the people who count—the patients!!

There are many who feel that the health system, especially now, does not fully value or recognize or even understand what the practice of nursing means to patients. We must continue to work in the belief that in time the system will ‘catch up’ and recognize the value to patient care, and ultimately to the system itself.

In the meantime, however, I urge nurses to focus not on those troubling issues—but rather on the unique opportunity that is theirs alone -- to really make a difference. It is this focus, I believe, that will ultimately be the changing force for nurses.

Please remember this: nurses—and no other person or profession-- have the best caring relationship of all.

Enjoy this wonderful day.