Over the years, the interaction between physicians and nurses, including Advanced Practice Nurses (APRN’s), has progressed from a patriarchal to a more collaborative relationship. If you were in nursing school in the 1960’s and 1970’s and a physician approached the nursing station, the expectation was for the nurses to rise and give up seats when the physician approached and to take armloads of charts to rounds with the physicians to see their patients. The nurses rarely had a voice but stood by as the physician introduced themselves and gave orders. This scenario has changed over the past several decades to a more professional relationship with mutual respect that facilitates team work and collaboration in planning and providing care for patients.

Even though the relationship between nurses and physicians has changed and there is a more respectful working arena, there is always a need to foster continuing respect for each other and promote an understanding of the roles of each through working together and joining forces early in the educational process. There is an organization call H-STAT (Heathcare Students Taking Action Together) which provides an opportunity for all healthcare students to meet together and to join forces on issues of importance and socialization. Also, this provides an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the education and professional roles of all healthcare professions.

This concept is in its infancy but continues to strive toward improved relationships with leadership from H-STAT and representation of several GNA members who are on the Advisory Board of H-STAT. Currently, meetings are occurring between student nursing associations and medical students from all of the medical schools in Georgia. The students are attending classes (medical students to nursing and visa versa) to promote this concept. H-STAT organized a Candlelight Vigil in February to promote the issue of the “Uninsured.”  This Candlelight Vigil had political, nursing and medical representation, participation and endorsement to promote and educate healthcare providers and the public about the incidence and plight of the uninsured. H-STAT has other functions scheduled and now has a part-time director to assist with organization and development.

This is a great way to foster relationships and promote respect among future healthcare providers. This collaboration between healthcare providers can serve to provide better patient care and impact healthcare issues. If anyone has questions, please e-mail me at mcarmon@gsu.edu.