The Crucial Nature of Nurse Volunteerism

As the United States grapples with the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, I am reminded of how nurses ' collective and individual dedication to volunteerism and community service are central to the fabric of society, as well as to the notion of who we nurses are and what we are capable of. Nurse volunteerism serves many purposes, and its importance is worthy of intensive discussion.Viewing the devastation that Harvey has wrought in Houston, eastern Texas, and parts of Louisiana, I want to call attention to the many nurses and healthcare professionals who were on the ground from day one, slogging it out in the wet trenches of emergency response as the rain fell and the waters rose.Stories abound of flooded nursing homes and hospitals, emergency patient evacuations, heroic deeds, and thousands of people -- including nurses, of course -- going above and beyond the call of duty in order to save lives and protect property.Nurses continue to give of themselves as the flood waters recede and the rebuilding efforts begin in earnest, and there are undoubtedly countless untold stories of heroism and gallantry that will go unrecorded but not forgotten. No matter, the collective experience is burned into our memories, and many in Texas and beyond will continue to volunteer and give in ways small and large for years to come.Nurses and DisastersNurses have been part of disaster relief since the notion began.Clara Barton, nurse extraordinaire, formed the American Red Cross in 1881. While Presid...
Source: Digital Doorway - Category: Nursing Tags: nurse nurses nursing Source Type: blogs