Online Journal of Rural Nursing and Health Care, 1(2) 7 

Editorial 

Administrative Insights:  Building a Strong Profession 

Beth Roder, MA, RN, Editorial Board Member 

 

Each nurse, wherever the work may be located, is building a strong tower for health care.  

Many years, many nurses, and through many types of government control, nurses have carried 

on the work of service and caring to those entrusted to our care.  

This era, perhaps more than any other we need to build together.  We need one another to 

stand tall as towers for people who are not able to stand for themselves, whatever the reason may 

be.  

As I consider how this figurative tower is built I ponder the way each of us build our 

professional towers.  Some have laid a strong foundation, having made nursing a choice at a very 

young age.  The foundation has been laid carefully through planning and hard work as education 

is pursued.  Others have chosen nursing, but only for a short time, until the role doesn’t fit the 

life plan that is preferred.  The foundation was never quite as secure or able to stand the tests of 

time.  

As you are building your tower what elements have you included in the structure.  Is 

there a window to let sunlight into your soul when the dark night of sorrow, loss, and despair 

overcome your spirit?  It is important that we let that light shine out as well as into the tower.  It 

is only as you have been illuminated that your light can shine forth.  

That light may be offering compassion, nursing skills executed with love, or your 

presence.  There is great healing and solace for patients when your presence; body, mind, and 

spirit are with people.  



Online Journal of Rural Nursing and Health Care, 1(2) 8 

The structure and its material elements such as taking care of yourself to maintain the 

strength that is needed daily will be a way for these strong towers to stand.  The onslaught of 

managed care, decreasing Medicare funding, an aging population, threaten all of us.  

Productivity levels demand more work with less help.  Each of us is faced with ethical dilemmas 

as we endeavor to provide the best care possible. 

But nurses have always held out a torch to lead the way.  Stand proud and stand tall as we 

move forward with the changes in health care.  Help create the change in whatever way you can, 

in whatever area you work, and where ever you may live.  You, as a strong tower stand as a 

bulwark in the changing times of providing holistic health care. 

Your comments are encouraged. Please e-mail me at b_roder10@yahoo.com.