President's Message
April 2020

 

Eleanor C Bjoring in the polio epidemic
Courtesy Bjoring Center, UVA

Dear Valued Members,

When the nursing profession’s leaders declared 2020 the “Year of the Nurse,” they probably had no idea how true that would be. Today the nation is in the beginning stages of fighting the COVID19 pandemic, and nurses are indeed in the headlines. As I write this, I am at a loss for words to describe how proud I am of nurses who respond to patients’ needs in times of public health emergencies. They have done so in the past, as epidemics of yellow fever, influenza, diphtheria, and polio ravaged cities and towns throughout the world, and they are doing so again today.

Knowing that the majority of our members are nurses, and currently are under extreme stress in hospitals, clinics, public health departments, and nursing schools throughout the country, makes me appreciative for all you are doing.  Thank you!  You are making history.  And given that, I will keep this message short. Journal, document, or photograph what is happening if you can; but if not, just take care of yourselves and your families in this time of crisis.  Please let us know if AAHN can help in any way.

Stay safe, and feel free to send me your thoughts: [email protected]

Arlene W. Keeling, PhD, RN, FAAN