A message from the Past, Present, and Future Presidents of the Grand Canyon Chapter:

In this unprecedented time, we are faced with difficult realities. The Coronavirus Pandemic has affected everything we do at work and at home.  We are being innovative and adapting.  We are standing together to keep our patients safe.  We are perioperative nursing professionals. 

The nationwide protesting of racial disparities has awakened many to the unjust and shameful treatment of minorities across the world.  We, as a profession, must make a stand. We must be innovative and open to change.  We must be professionals.

Working in stressful environments, we are trained to care for all our patients, of all colors, creed, or sexuality.  Human kindness is one of our most powerful tools in keeping our patients safe.  All lives cannot matter until Black Lives Matter. We are positioned to be sure that is upheld, in our OR’s and our communities.

Perioperative nurses must also stand with each other.  We cannot be complacent in the actions around us. Now is the time, if you see something- say something.  Conversations must be started.  Dialogue is the starting point to sharing, caring, and empathy.  We must be inclusive and not dismissive.  We are nurses.

The pandemic has implemented social distancing rules, but the social disparities have been known for many, many years.  Numerous studies have proven it, yet we remain unchanged.  Previous attempts at protesting the unjust treatment of communities of color have done nothing or very little to make a lasting change.  Now is the time.  We have a chance to make a difference.  We have to try.  We are human.

This Pandemic and the protesting has ripped the bandaid off our deep wounds, we are bleeding.  We are in this together and we can begin to heal.  Remember the very heart of nursing is to care.  We care for the safety of ALL.  We must stand beside our nurses of color, support their human needs.  Don’t be afraid to start the conversation, don’t look away.  We must confront the bigotry, ignorance and ill-informed that invades our OR’s.  Now is the time to come together, to change the discourse, and be proud of our profession, show the world that we care.

We urge you to support the activities in your facilities that embrace diversity and inclusion.  We urge you to speak up against the disparities and unjust actions that you witness.  It is with these courageous actions that we can make a difference.  The Pandemic has changed the way we do things, but the protests have changed the way we see things. 

Past President Carolyn Burr, President Karen MacDonald, and President-Elect Patricia Coates