NURSING: ART, SCIENCE, OR BOTH?

Regardless of when you became a registered nurse, you were probably taught that nursing is an art and a science. I actually had a t-shirt from Bryan School of Nursing (now Bryan College of Health Sciences) that highlighted the art and science of nursing as part of the slogan. What does that really mean? Are you able to provide nursing care that is grounded in science but maintains the art of nursing?

Nursing can be described as both an art and a science; a heart and a mind. At its heart, lies a fundamental respect for human dignity and an intuition for a patient’s needs. This is supported by the mind, in the form of rigorous core learning. Due to the vast range of specialisms and complex skills in the nursing profession, each nurse will have specific strengths, passions, and expertise (ANA, 2023).

This quote spoke to me as I have viewed the art of nursing as the compassionate and caring application of our nursing skills for our patients. It is essential that we possess excellent skills but perhaps equally important that we administer our nursing care skills in a compassionate and caring manner. What do you think? How do you view the Art and Science of Nursing in your own practice?

NNA BOARD MEETING

The NNA board met via Zoom on Wednesday, November 29, 2023.

Budget review with data through the end of October: The 2022 convention was the first time we were back in-person and our attendance was low, as seen with many other organizations. This caused a deficit. The attendance at this year’s convention was much improved and meant that we covered all expenses and had a slight positive balance. The board discussed various strategies to improve attendance and control costs for next year.

Passed the budget for 2024: The NNA budget is developed using financial data from the previous year with a very conservative approach. As we view potential income vs. probable expenses, we lean toward the ‘worse case scenario’. This budget will be reviewed at our board meeting to be scheduled in January 2024. At that time, we will have the final numbers through December 31, 2023 to review and consider any budget adjustments that might be needed. As with your own household budget, to be in the best possible position, you need to increase income, decrease expenses, or do both. The board is committed to finding strategies to do both.

Discussed campaign to increase NNA membership. Over 30,000 nurses are licensed in Nebraska with approximately 1300 NNA members. The cost is $15 per month to belong to both NNA and the American Nurses Association. This is a reasonable cost to belong to YOUR professional organization. This publication goes out to all nurses licensed in Nebraska. Our advocacy efforts benefit ALL nurses in Nebraska as well as our patients, families, and communities. If you have any ideas that would support a membership drive, please share those with me. I want to hear from you.

We welcome all input from our nursing colleagues—whether a member of NNA or not. If you are not a member, I strongly encourage you to join. At $15 per month, membership in NNA is very affordable! If you are a member, please invite at least one of your colleagues to join. Perhaps they have not even considered NNA. We are the overarching nursing organization in Nebraska. NNA advocates for all nurses in Nebraska regardless of specialty, where you live, where you work, or even whether you are a dues paying member! Please contact me at nnapresident@nebraskanurses.org with questions, concerns, or ways that NNA can better serve your needs.

Reference

American Nurses Association 2023 What is nursing?American Nurses Association (ANA). (2023). What is nursing? ANA. Retrieved November 27, 2023, from https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/workforce/what-is-nursing/?20231127135913365645647