Dear Colleagues.
It’s an honor for me to be a member of the Editorial Board and share some ideas with you about “Nursing Challenges”. I strongly believe that this journal will grow day by day and contribute scientific development and quality in Nursing. Nowadays due to the globalization factor we are facing problems like economic recession, changes in the health care system, demographic changes, emerging diseases, medical advances / technology, specialization, privatization, proliferation of staff categories, trade in health services, political problems, wars, migration etc. Specifically for Nurses, shortage, heavy workloads, weak management, poor workforce planning, underpayment, workplace violence, preventable musculoskeletal injuries, and inadequate nurse staffing levels are some main problems. These and some other problems lead to burnout, turnover and even premature retirement from Nursing. As a profession dealing with “Humans”, Nursing is affected by global and also job related problems but in the mean time we have to be aware that we also have the power to contribute to these situations. There will be always a need for “Nurses” at the clinic and also at community level, important is how we fill this place just as a passive service provider or as a leader, advocator, researcher who contributes to empowerment in own profession and community level? Just an example all around the world increasing life expectancy leads to increase in elderly population which leads to need for Geriatric & Home Health Care Nurses but at this point we don’t have to forget that there is also a big elderly group who is active, wants to enjoy live but just need some support in disease management, health promotion activities. Traveling is a main activity for socialization and improves health quality for this group. Meaning for Nursing? There is a need for “Travel Nurses” – a new area for us. At clinical settings and community level “Nursing” is more visible today. We have to see that some changes can lead to other opportunities for us; we have to see it and be able to respond to these! How can we do that? Increase scientific knowledge, education level, focusing on evidence based practice, critical think and problem solving skills, effective inter personal communication skills, cultural awareness, speak languages, using latest technology, management & organization skills, follow up economic, political changes in the world etc. are some core concepts and areas which will provide us the knowledge & skills for broader vision. The opportunities & tools for challenge are developing in time it’s up to us if see it and how we use it.
Esma Demirezen
Assist. Prof. Dr. in Public Health Nursing
Istanbul University, Health Science Faculty, Department of Midwifery,Turkey