I have a friend who spends much of her time (when she is not working at the hospital) as a volunteer CASA. That's a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children. A judge has appointed her to represent the interests of minors who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. Her role is to be a voice for kids who can't speak for themselves. She devotes long hours, and careful study to each situation, intent on ensuring that children don't get lost in an overburdened legal system or placed in inappropriate foster homes. This nurse has confided that the job can sometimes be heartbreaking, yet she continues to accept CASA assignments with an energetic dedication and, sometimes, with joy.
I recognize that brand of joy. I've seen it on the face of a nurse who successfully convinced a provider to change an order that posed potential harm to a patient. I've heard it in a story from a night shift supervisor whose plea for physicians to discharge stable individuals (who could safely go home) resulted in freeing up appropriate unit beds for other acutely ill people (who had been waiting on stretchers in a backed up emergency department). I've perceived it in the pride and relief expressed by a nursing leader who successfully lobbied for appropriate nurse staffing. I also read about it (between the lines) as I reviewed manuscripts submitted for this edition.
The authors of the selected articles are passionate about the diverse populations they represent. They understand what it means to stand up for others, to believe in a cause, to continue "fighting the good fight," day after day, even when their efforts aren't immediately successful. They remain optimistic that they will eventually see progress-and when they do see it, they celebrate with joy.
Nurse executives and managers are natural advocates for many groups. However, we are essential advocates for 2 primary populations. The first, of course, comprises those who are served by our profession. I include everyone whose health and well-being are enriched by nurses in this group-individuals, families, communities, and countries. The second population is a bit smaller, and more specifically defined: nurses and their team members.
Our jobs come with position power, so we are compelled to speak up for those who need care and those who give care. I contend that advocacy for the latter is advocacy for the former. The welfare of nurses, and other caregivers, is tied directly to the welfare of any person or group who needs, or will someday need, nursing services. (And I can't think of anyone who won't.) As leaders, we must advocate for the health and wellness of our profession, as part of our advocacy for the health and wellness of the world.
The articles collected by our guest editors describe examples of advocacy that are making a difference, suggest ways to advocate for vulnerable populations, and remind us to advocate for caregivers as well as those who need care. I hope you find them as inspirational as I do. I hope that their successes make you proud of our colleagues who speak up for others. Most of all, I hope that your own advocacy efforts bring you moments of joy.
Thanks for choosing to lead,
-Kathleen D. Sanford, DBA, RN, FACHE, FAAN
Editor-in-Chief
Nursing Administration Quarterly