Sue Berger

“As nurses, we have an obligation above all others on the healthcare team to care for the whole patient.”

A nurse for 39 years, Sue Berger, MSN, Ed.D., ANP-BC is currently working as the Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer and Director of Health Services at Cazenovia College in New York. One of the biggest challenges facing nurses is securing the resources necessary to provide quality care in the manner that patients deserve. Another challenge is advocating for resources to compensate nurses at a level that attracts and retains them within the profession. This starts with our nursing educators. To elevate the professional perception of nurses, nurses can strive to achieve excellent outcomes on a daily basis — provide extraordinary care in their day-to-day interactions.

It’s important to remain vigilant and positive in the face of those whose efforts are intended to undermine the authority that nurses have achieved. Nurturing interdisciplinary and collaborative relationships will elevate the perception of nurses.

Outside the profession, nurses can utilize their transferable skills to advance initiatives within their communities, serve on boards and municipal committees, and get involved in charitable organizations. I do see myself as a role model for future nurses, but also for current nurses who I hope will remain in the profession. There’s a work ethic in my generation of nurses that has served the profession exceptionally well. I hope I have passed that ethic along in my mentoring of other nurses throughout my career.

I have used my nursing skills to volunteer in a number of ways. Examples include: serving community organizations, working at large-scale events as part of a medical team; participating or leading health promotion campaigns; and serving on a governing board for a college or nursing. Yes, I believe healing the bodies, minds and hearts of patients and their families statement is accurate. As nurses, we have an obligation above all others on the healthcare team to care for the whole patient. For those whose bodies and minds cannot be healed due to disease, nursing compassion is essential to help patients find peace and dignity at end of life and to help families and loved ones begin the healing process.