PSEA proudly celebrates National Nurses Week

Pennsylvania nurses exemplify 2010’s theme for National Nurses Week: “Caring today for a healthier tomorrow.” PSEA joins Pennsylvania and the nation this week to recognize and thank our nurses and other health care workers for the extraordinary work and commitment exhibited daily in their professional careers.

As the health care debate continues on a national level, the roles and responsibilities of nurses and all health care employees emerge as significant factors in determining the cost and quality of health care in America.   Health care professionals must be central voices in these discussions. They must be guaranteed the freedom to speak about their concerns about safe patient care and the reduction of errors in the workplace. Nurses face increased challenges to their commitment to provide the best care possible to their patients. Recent attempts to stifle this ability to speak through ‘gag rules’ imposed by employers have received national attention. Through the power of PSEA, our health care associations, members of HealthCare-PSEA, see the value of a collective voice and collective action in addressing these issues.

PSEA is committed to providing safe, quality patient care and to supporting its current health care members. HealthCare-PSEA staff provide nurses and health care employees with professional resources, including unique and significant Continuing Education courses and publications, along with support and advocacy to continue their fight for improved patient care and working conditions.

This year’s theme, “Caring Today for a Healthier Tomorrow”, reflects the commitment of First Lady Michelle Obama to better health care in America. She is working to address the root causes of the deteriorating health of American adults and children. Unfortunately, the nurses needed to provide care once an illness is diagnosed are leaving the profession in large numbers due to intolerable working conditions. 

PSEA supports workers’ rights to improve their working conditions and advocate for their professions. Working with HealthCare-PSEA nurses and health care employees demonstrate the understanding that caring today will result in a healthier tomorrow for all.

Learn more about HealthCare-PSEA.