And happy new decade. The first decade of the 21st century was quite an experience, beginning with the contested presidential election here in the US, and now ending with the fight for healthcare reform, a would be terrorist who managed to get an explosive on a plane due to the stupidity of our so-called intelligence agencies, and hope for economic recovery.

Oh yes, and the selection of an obese surgeon general at a time when obesity is fast becoming the number one health issue in this country (what were you thinking, Barack????).

I don’t have any predictions for this year, other than I hope that the healthcare reform bill is miraculously transformed into something that resembles reform and not a sweetheart deal for the insurance industry. It is difficult to say what this year will bring for nurses, but regardless, nurses need to stand up for themselves and make an effort not to take abuse and to demand respect.