Dear readers,
I am extremely excited to be embarking on this very important role and wish to express my gratitude to the leadership of the Maryland Nurses Association (MNA) for selecting me as the Editor-in-Chief of this journal. It is an honor to collaborate with the exceptional members of the Editorial Board and the publisher team.
As the new Editor-in-Chief, I am honored, humbled, and grateful to announce the launch of the newly revamped Maryland Nurse, the official journal of the MNA, which represents the voices of all nurses across Maryland.
In every journal Issue, we will focus on a topic that is meaningful to our nurses. This issue, the focus is on health policy and the critical role nurses play in shaping it. Nurses are a constant source of hope and innovation, especially in these challenging times. We have the power to make a significant difference by advocating for our profession, our patients, and our communities.
To elevate the value of our nursing profession, there are several initiatives we can support. One essential step is encouraging all registered nurses to obtain their National Provider Identifier (NPI) number. Having an NPI allows nurses to bill under their identifier, track their contributions, and influence payment models to reflect the true value of our work. By demonstrating the comprehensive care we provide, we can advocate for changes in how nurses are reimbursed and recognized.
To enhance equitable healthcare for all Marylanders and Americans, nurses in Maryland can support the Improving Care and Access to Nurses (ICAN) Act. This legislation aims to remove Medicare and Medicaid barriers, allowing Advanced Practice Nurses to practice to the full extent of their training and education. By supporting this act, we ensure that our expertise is fully utilized in improving patient care.
Nurses also have a pivotal role in improving planetary and community health. We can advocate for and educate others on reducing fossil fuel energy use, increasing energy conservation, and expanding the use of sustainable forms of energy. Nursing has a deep-rooted tradition of advocating for social justice, fostering environmental stewardship, embracing comprehensive systems thinking, promoting interdisciplinary cooperation, and driving forward innovative practices. With this rich history, we are well-positioned to build a healthier future for everyone and advocate for sustainable lifestyles that ensure the well-being of our planet.
We not only possess the power of numbers—nearly 5.2 million registered nurses in the USA—but we are also the most trusted profession in the nation. We deliver high-quality care and advocate for our patients. There is no reason why we cannot be active in policymaking and shape the future for ourselves, our communities, and humanity as a whole.
It takes courage to step outside of our comfort zones, but it is time for us to be active participants in the decisions made by our legislators. I invite each one of you to stay informed, participate, educate, and make a difference. If not now, then when?
With you on the path,
Jihane Frangieh, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE
Editor-in-chief, Maryland Nurse
