On International Nurses Day, Healthcare Without Harm (HCWH) chose to focus on the work of nurses in improving environmental health. Nurses in Argentina, Belgium, the Philippines, and the United States were recognized. Coordinators for HCWH noted that nurses have always been in the forefront of bringing together issues of health and the environment and are acutely aware of the impact of environmental exposures on vulnerable populations and the need for clear air and water, safe food, and safe work environment. Two other coordinators noted that nurses lead the way in proposing initiatives promoting green practices that do not harm people or the environment in Latin America and that the nursing profession drives change in Europe and acts as a role model by working to make healthcare safe for people and the environment.

Healthcare Without Harm reports a global commitment to supporting the "exceptional voice" of nurses in the environmental health arena. Nurses work to promote healthier environments for all and are often outraged at environmental injustices. Nurses promote healing environments by promoting air quality, noise reduction, and appropriate lighting, along with caring human interactions. Healthcare Without Harm supports 470 organizations in 52 countries, with nursing groups being recognized as major contributors to healthy environmental change. Florence Nightingale advocated for quite similar issues during her time. Nurse educators, nursing students, and practicing nurses should find professional affirmation in the historical and ongoing contributions of nurses to environmental health.

Source: Karliner J. On International Nurses Day Health Care Without Harm salutes nurses around the world. HCWH News. May 12, 2011. Available athttp://www.noharm.org/global/news_hcwh/2011/may/hcwh2011-05-12.php. Accessed on May 15, 2011.

Submitted by: Robin E. Pattillo, PhD, RN, CNL, News Editor at [email protected].