Access to healthcare is central to safe, secure, economically successful and equitable societies, but it cannot be achieved unless there are enough nurses to provide the care needed. The scale of the world-wide nursing shortage is one of the greatest threats to health globally. In the present scenario the value of nurses has never been clearer not only to our healthcare systems but also our global peace and security. So, we need policies and measures for nursing and midwifery; reforming nursing education and regulation; leading clinical developments; conducting research. All these will ensure nursing voices are heard alongside other stakeholders.
Nurses and midwives are central to Primary Health Care and are often the first and sometimes the only health professional that people see and the quality of their initial assessment, care and treatment is vital. They are also part of their local community – sharing its culture, strengths and vulnerabilities – and can shape and deliver effective interventions to meet the needs of patients, families and communities. Consequently, to deal with the present situation better knowledge and skills with improved ability to identify, understand and work with stakeholders within and beyond the nursing profession is necessary. Enhanced ability to review and frame the evidence base knowledge within local, national and international, health and social care contexts are essential along with stronger competence in strategic communications, with policy messages, policymakers and the public. In this journey The Malaysian Journal of Nursing has given this workforce a voice and attempts to highlights the critical role of nurses and midwives in improving health outcomes across the world.
Datuk Prof. Dr. Hjh. Bibi Florina Abdullah