In honor of National Nurses Week, I am sharing my new Special Report: Second Acts: Reflections from Nurses to Inspire the Next Generation of Nurses. This report was written by Nurses for Nurses.

I hope you will take a few minutes to read this the report and pick up a few nuggets of advice that will inspire you to make the most of your careers. Nursing is a challenging career, and it is not for everyone. For those who choose a career in nursing and work to make it a successful career; it is the most rewarding career you will ever have.

Those who are successful in nursing are so because they care, are curious, have perseverance, want to help others and are committed to improving the system. They don’t give up when the going gets tough but find ways to work through the challenges they face. Nurses make the healthcare system work.

Nurses empower patients and families to get through the most challenging times of their lives. They help the healthcare team work together to deliver safe, quality care to meet the specific needs of each person who they touch.

Moving forward, the culture of nursing will change to allow each nurse to realize the value they bring and are proud of the work they do. Today there are four million nurses in practice in the United States. Imagine if we used our voice to speak in one voice to make healthcare safer, more consumer-focused and help those who enter the complex healthcare system navigate the system in an organized and safe manner.  Imagine how we could transform the healthcare system to work for the people who enter from every entry points. Just imagine what we could do!

I invite you to take the time to read Second Acts and learn from the professionals who contributed to this report. The information shared is meant to empower and give you strength when you are stressed, confused or looking for a way out. You worked hard to earn your degree and your license. If the area of practice you are working in today is not inspiring you, find another area of practice. Nurses have so many options as they move beyond the bedside. Use your experience, harness your passion and find the area of practice that fits you best.

Enjoy the report! Feel free to share this page with your nursing colleagues or to those who are looking to enter nursing as students. Happy Nurses Week!

Anne Llewellyn, MS, BHSA, RN-BC, CCM, CRRN Nurse Advocate