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We Don’t Need a #NursesRock Hashtag to Remind Us That Nurses Are Heroes
Updated: Dec. 17, 2015
Originally Published: Sep. 16, 2015
The hosts of a popular daytime talk show recently stirred up quite the controversy with their remarks about nurses while discussing the Miss America Pageant. During the event, Miss Colorado, a nurse named Sarah Johnson, took the stage wearing a stethoscope and delivered a heartfelt monologue about her experience caring for Alzheimer’s patients. While her choice of talent raised eyebrows, it was refreshing to see someone showcase their genuine passion for their profession instead of defaulting to more traditional acts like singing or dancing.
However, the hosts didn’t share the same appreciation. Michelle Thompson quipped about Johnson reading her emails, while Joy Taylor questioned why she’d wear a “doctor’s stethoscope.” Their comments were met with an uproar online, leading to the hashtag #nursesrock trending as people rallied to defend the nursing profession and highlight its significance.
Clearly, Thompson and Taylor haven’t spent much time in a hospital setting. If they had, they would realize that nurses are the backbone of healthcare. Reflecting on my own experience, when I was in labor for an exhausting 22 hours, it was my nurse—not the doctor—who monitored my baby’s heart rate, helped me change positions, and guided me through those first daunting pushes. It was a nurse who bathed my newborn, supported my recovery, and even helped me into those oh-so-flattering postpartum mesh underwear. In an emergency, it would be a nurse rushing to my side, ready to save the day.
Nurses are essential, caring for everyone from infants to the elderly, and their role in healthcare is irreplaceable. While nursing may not be as glamorous as a talent show performance, it is undeniably a unique skill. I would love to see more women like Johnson showcase their dedication to nursing on a stage like Miss America.
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In summary, it’s time we acknowledge the incredible work nurses do without needing a hashtag to remind us. They truly are the unsung heroes of our healthcare system.