Nurses are an integral part of the health-care system. National Nurses Week, May 6 through 12, honors those individuals’ vast contributions to the health and safety of their communities and the nation.
“Nurses are recognized for their role as expert clinicians in diverse care settings and as leaders who can dramatically influence the quality of care and overall performance of the health-care system,” Santa Barbara County Public Health Department officials said in a press release. “Nurses are leading initiatives to increase access to care and improve outcomes by focusing on primary care, prevention, wellness, chronic disease management, and the coordination of care among health-care providers and community settings.”
The week kicked off on May 6—RN Recognition Day—at the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors meeting, where local Registered Nurses were commended for their work.
“As the Affordable Care Act is fully implemented, nurses will be more crucial than ever, leading efforts to expand primary care at community-based clinics and deliver more efficient and cost-effective care as members of collaborative health-care teams,” Public Health Department officials said in the press release.
“We commend our nurses for their commitment and tireless efforts toward meeting the complex and demanding health-care needs of our community members,” the press release said.
Manging Editor Amy Asman compiled this week’s Community Corner. Information should be sent to the Sun via mail, email, or fax.
This article appears in May 8-15, 2014.