Nursing, the soul of medicine
Nurses are the heart and soul of the healthcare system, and their dedication deserves our respect, admiration and gratitude.
In the vast and complex universe of medicine, where advanced technologies and medical research capture the headlines, there is a silent but indispensable force that sustains the healthcare system: nursing. From the moment a person enters a hospital or clinic, nurses are the first to reach out. They are the ones who administer medications, take vital signs, listen patiently and offer comfort in the most vulnerable moments of a life. More than health professionals, they are the link between medical science and human experience.
The nursing is not just a profession; it is a calling. It requires an exceptional combination of technical knowledge, practical skills and a deep calling to help others. Florence Nightingale, the mother of modern nursing, described this practice as "a work of art," a discipline that combines science with the art of caring.
The nursing plays a fundamental role in the healthcare system. According to data from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), there are approximately 2.7 nurses per 1,000 inhabitants in Mexico. 2.7 nurses per 1,000 inhabitants. Although this figure represents progress compared to past decades, it is still far from reaching the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) average of 8.8 per 1,000 inhabitants. These figures reflect not only the importance of nursing personnel, but also the challenges they face.
Nurses are key to public health strategies. From mass vaccination campaigns to the prevention and control of chronic diseases, their work directly impacts the quality of life of the population. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, their work was crucial in ensuring care for millions of people in adverse conditions. According to the Instituto de Salud para el Bienestar (INSABI), more than 70% of the personnel who were in the first line of combat against the virus in Mexico belonged to the nursing profession.
In the hospital setting, nurses are the pillars of comprehensive patient care. They are responsible for administering medications, recording vital signs, emotional support and education in healthy habits and chronic disease management.
According to INEGI, 87% of nursing personnel in Mexico are nursing personnel in Mexico is made up of women, although the number of men in this profession has been increasing in recent years. Sixty percent of nurses have a bachelor's degree, while the rest have technical training. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), by 2030, a 50% increase in nursing staff will be needed to meet the demands of a growing and aging population. Beyond the numbers, what defines nursing is its humanity. They are the ones who are present at times of joy and hope, such as the birth of a baby, and also at times of farewell, offering comfort to patients and their loved ones. Nursing represents the perfect balance between science and art, between technique and empathy. Their impact transcends the clinical and is manifested in the way they transform lives through care.
In a world where professions are often valued for their visibility or the technological advances they produce, it is crucial to recognize and value the work of those who work tirelessly behind the scenes. Nursing is the lifeblood of the healthcare system, and their dedication deserves our respect, admiration and gratitude.
This article is not only intended to inform, but also to inspire everyone to take a fresh look at those who care for us. Because when we think of health, it is impossible not to think of the nurses who make this world a more humane place.
In honor of all nursing professionals: thank you for being the heart of medicine.
