Millions of Americans are unemployed, underemployed or uninsured, while insurance premiums and medication costs soar. Our infant mortality rate is higher than most developed nations. How long can the United States economy withstand this? 

Illnesses like heart disease, obesity, hypertension and diabetes can have tragic complications; but probably the greatest tragedy is that nearly half of the time, these illnesses can be prevented. In addition to the physical pain and suffering, lost productivity from work places an unnecessary financial burden on families and society. 

Our healthcare system needs a different focus; from one on disease to wellness. We can no longer afford our current model of sick care. Instead, we need healthcare that encourages disease prevention and wellness; while at the same time treating illnesses that can't be avoided.

Teri Mills, a nurse educator, saw this need and felt that nurses are the healthcare practitioners best equipped and most uniquely qualified to teach prevention and wellness tools and proposed establishing the Office of a National Nurse. The New York Times published her idea that nurses ahould play a greater role in keeping this country healthy. This ignited a grassroots effort led by nurses and others in support of having a National Nurse.


Her idea was supported by many in Congress and Congressman Anthony Weiner sponsored HR 1119 The National Nurse Act of 2011.

Who will be the National Nurse for Public Health? This individual would be the
Chief Nurse Officer of the United States Public Health System. Currently this is a part-time position and in assuming the duties of the National Nurse, the position would become full-time.

Federally appointed, the National Nurse would work with the Surgeon General to deliver the message of disease prevention and wellness and to teach wellness strategies to all Americans via televised, radio, and internet-based public announcements.

Each of our nation’s 3 million registered nurses would be encouraged to volunteer time, providing educational programs in their communities, increasing awareness of health issues, such as the benefits of exercise and stress management and the detrimental effects of smoking.

We may all have differing thoughts about how to solve our current healthcare problems; but we all agree that prevention of illness alleviates suffering, saves lives and money. Who better to teach Americans how to take better care of themselves than our nation’s trusted, highly educated and skilled nurses? It is time for a National Nurse for Public Health.

For more information, please visit www.nationalnurse.org or teri@nationalnurse.info

teri@nationalnurse.info