As we begin the New Year, my thoughts immediately turn to those whose lives have been difficult over the last several months. Suffering and angst is rampant not only in our immediate neighborhoods but also around the world. One cannot turn on the radio or television without being faced with the struggles of many. The prediction of future problems is dismal at best.
Recent layoffs and cutbacks not only impact large corporations but also will influence every one of us. Healthcare providers will not be exempt from the economic turndown. For every 1% increase in unemployment, it is predicted that 1 million people will lose heath insurance. Many of these people will not undergo routine healthcare screening or follow-up because of lack of insurance. Others may avoid follow-up or needed treatment for fear of losing their jobs while absent from the workforce. The choice of paying for health insurance or paying the mortgage will undoubtably result in health insurance premiums being second in line assuming no other competing demands. The trickle-down effect of changing healthcare patterns is already affecting providers. Virtually no healthcare organization is unaffected. Medical centers across the country have or are considering layoffs as they struggle with the reality of payment systems that reimburse well below costs necessitating decisions about closures of nonessential services or nonprofitable services.
Nurses are in a position to help in these difficult times. Increased numbers of patients may need to access healthcare in different settings. Free clinics may now see an increase in patient volume despite the reality that many clinics are not prepared to manage the increased volume.
As we begin to think about what role each of us might play to ensure that patients have access to care, one simple way is to seek out the clinics in your area that might benefit from volunteer nursing help. Begin a dialogue to see whether arrangements can be made to assist in this time of need. It is imperative that patients who need care find a setting that can be accessed. In our neighborhood and church settings, we can also become advocates for those who find themselves uninsured and without access to healthcare. Be prepared to help them find the resources that are needed to help fill in the gap in their healthcare coverage. At no time in our history will we have as many uninsured Americans who need healthcare. At this critical point in time it is once again time to develop interdisciplinary coalitions who can raise their voices to influence health policy.
Let us also support our fellow nurses who may lose their jobs or be furloughed, as odd a concept as that might seem in these days of such nursing shortages. Changes may be necessary in select hospital settings. We will need to support our colleagues through these difficult times and always keep that NAON network strong and working.
On another note, personally my thoughts turn to a dear friend who is beginning her fight against breast cancer. She is the consummate nurse, educator, and researcher. I ask that we all think of those friends and family who face similar challenges, and say a prayer that they will all be blessed with the return of good health in our new year.