Posted: 11/29/2004
Johns Hopkins Nursing Fall 2004 focuses on several issues facing nursing and nursing education today: the changing demographic of nursing students; nurses working past the traditional retirement age; birthing companions in the delivery room; and—through an interview with Maryland Senator Barbara Mikulski—the Congressional Nurse Reinvestment Act. Also in this issue, the “Second Opinion” column asks readers to take an online poll about uniforms for nurses, a topical “hot button” question for nurses nationwide.
The Changing Face of Nursing
In 1990, the first accelerated baccalaureate class at the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing (JHUSON) had just 15 students with only one male and one ethnic minority. The latest JHUSON accelerated class has 127 students and represents the changing face of nursing today: more male students, more minority students, and more students with other professional experiences.
Happy Un-Retirement
Nationally, half of all nurses working today were born during the baby-boom years. What will happen as they near traditional retirement age? To prevent a mass exodus from the profession, nursing leaders at the Johns Hopkins Hospital Department of Nursing are looking for innovative ways to keep experienced nurses contributing—well past age 65.
The New Labor Movement
When Susan Villanueva experienced her strongest contractions, she briefly bypassed her husband to hold onto Lilly Schott, a JHUSON nursing student. Schott was Villanueva’s birth companion, or doula—a woman who gives one-on-one support to mothers during childbirth. The JHUSON Birth Companions Program is preparing students to fill this unique role in the delivery room.
Acting Now
In this compelling interview, U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) talks candidly about her leadership in establishing the Nurse Reinvestment Act, the legislation’s potential for addressing the nation’s nursing shortage, and the vital need for congressional funding.
Do the Good Guys Wear White?
Since registered nurses (RNs) stopped wearing the traditional white uniform and cap, hospital patients and their families and friends often complain that they no longer can tell them from other hospital personnel. “Second Opinion” asks readers to answer online “What Should Nurses Wear?”