The Forgotten Heroes: Nurses at the Heart of Healthcare

Nurses are at the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic. With 67% of nurses reporting burnout during this time, and 80% reporting moderate to severe stress, it is clear that these forgotten heroes are leading us towards a better tomorrow.

In this episode of American Wellness, Veterans Affairs Nurse and Founder of Show Me Your Stethoscope, Janie Garner discusses how nurses are dealing with the COVID pandemic. Janie talks about her experiences as a nurse for the VA while also showcasing her own organization: Show Me Your Stethoscope. See how the nursing community is truly the heart of healthcare.

--- About the Guest ---

Janie Harvey Garner, a registered nurse based in Missouri, founded Show Me Your Stethoscope in response to a public attack on nurses when they were mocked for wearing “doctor’s stethoscopes." This event led to a public national and global firestorm from nurses, allied health professionals, and the general public, bringing about the #NursesUnite movement.

Janie decided to channel this public outcry in a positive way and started a Facebook group, daring non-doctors to wield their stethoscope publicly and proudly. (For the record: they regarded physicians highly as well, and more than a few joined in on the fun.)

As the group gathered members, pictures, and steam, members began to speak of a vision of united healthcare workers making large-scale changes—safer staffing, safer work environments, improved professional advocacy, public education, and support for peers, co-workers, and colleagues. SMYS has 650k members and receives hundreds of new members daily.

--- About American Wellness ---

Produced by WeXL Org, American Wellness dives headfirst into the uncomfortable conversations surrounding mental illness and why Americans feel the way they do. We examine our past, present, and future to find the solutions that could unite and heal us. Together we heal.