By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Scientific advancements in recent years have dramatically expanded the role of nurses in our health care system, and their knowledge and skills have increased to keep pace with new technologies and methods of treatments. Nurses bring a special compassion and concern for the patient and for the patient's family.
Nurses play a vital role in educating people in how to avoid illness and promote good health.
Cardiac, post-surgical, trauma, and burn units require intensive nursing care around the clock. Community health nurses enable the elderly to receive needed care in their own homes. Nurses trained in maternal and child health provide much of the care in urban and rural clinics. Nurses with specialized training treat cancer patients, stroke victims, and psychiatric patients. Nurse researchers are developing new and better ways to improve nursing practice, reduce patient stress, and help patients and their families cope with illness.