Are we ready to step forward and take the leadership that is ours?

Abstract

The healthcare system is going through a difficult time. It is almost impossible to imagine what our healthcare will look like in a few years. To survive, it is vital for the future of any healthcare system that the user takes on greater responsibility with regard to their own health and well-being. Patients must go from being passive consumers to becoming active and leaders of their own health. Our role as health professionals must change from that of a healthcare provider to that of a facilitator and support for the person in their own decisions. For this to happen, major cultural changes must take place within the system. We must begin to give much more importance to prevention. Our role must change from that of saviours to having disease prevention as a priority task. Many of us are not ready. We like playing heroes too much. A key component in achieving this empowerment of users is that we maximize the benefits made available to us through technology. It is crucial that we move from a reactive healthcare system to a preventive one. But this uncertain future also presents many opportunities, and right now nursing is at a crucial moment. Historically, our voice has not been heard, as we have often also been afraid to step out of the shadow of other health professions. The time to wait to be invited to participate is over. We have to raise our voice and be heard. The future of nursing depends on you.