A Seat at the Table: Nurses Leading the Call for Change
Submitted by Dr. Gretchen Forsley DNP CNL RN CVN-BC
Tags: healthcare leadership leadership in nursing nursing community
In the late, late hours of this warm Fall night I am burdened by what across the globe isn’t right. My heart is full of grief and of sorrow. Sometimes, overwhelming fear makes me unable to think past tomorrow. What do we consider a right, a freedom; I fear I have lost hope Some days I only have prayers for others to help heal and to help cope. What is happening to our nation; are we still a beacon of light? How we treat others; our patients, warriors, children, immigrants, and seniors we know isn’t right. We must demand a stop to all the violence and war. People are dying as leaders profess to even their score. Is there a way to defend who we are, where we live? Why must some people sacrifice far more than others ever give? I am saddened by how we ignored women’s voices. How mis information and money have taken their choices. Of all the professions, Nurses are the most trusted year after year. Always there to hold a hand, wipe a brow, give encouragement and take away fear. A movement has started: communities are marching and many more are speaking out. Healthcare for the people is a human right that no one, especially nurses should ever doubt. Not so long ago our nation recognized how much Nurse were needed. Today, our value, skills and knowledge are not always heeded. As our healthcare policies are sliding us into the past, Nurses, we must recognize our strength, our voices, like our numbers could be vast. Let us create an opportunity to demand a seat at the table—where nurses are listened to first, not last, and decisions are made by those who are truly knowledgeable and able.
Gretchen Forsley October 21, 2025 “Reform can only be accomplished when attitudes are changed” Lillian Wald