Nursing is the backbone of the medical profession. Performing most of the same functions as doctors, nurses endure many years of study, backbreaking labor and hours of tireless work, for moderate pay, all in the service of their patients. In honor of their dedication, America is celebrating National Nurses Week May 6-12. 

In May 2009, a group of four nursing students and three faculty members from the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith boarded a plane that took them halfway across the world to a place they will never forget. As part of the first Maymester International Studies program, this group traveled to Uganda, East Africa, to work at CURE International Children’s Hospital.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing Inc. (NCSBN) voted on Dec. 10, 2009, to raise the passing standard for the NCLEX-RN Examination (the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses). The new passing standard is -0.16 logits on the NCLEX-RN logistic scale, 0.05 logits higher than the previous standard of -0.21. The new passing standard will take effect on April 1, 2010, in conjunction with the 2010 NCLEX-RN Test Plan.

I spend a lot of my time meeting and talking with nurses who are in crisis mode.  The issues that bring nurses into my office often arise from lack of self care resulting in stress, anxiety, untreated depression and addiction.  The stories have similar themes: relationships with alcoholics or abusive individuals, stress in job situations, caretaking of co-workers and family, the pressure of being the sole provider and sleep deprivation.