The importance of the profession of nursing in health care: Current and future issues

The present article presents a brief summary of the articles and themes highlighted in this Special Issue on the importance of nursing in our current health care system. As will be reviewed, there is an array of biobehavioral problems encountered by nurses, ranging from chronic low back pain, depression to burnout and workplace stress. In addition, nurses are becoming increasingly involved in important issues, such as the current opioid crisis, pain management, and a host of interpersonal demands of patients. As a consequence of them having to “wear many different hats,” a great number of nurses are now leaving the profession, resulting in a real threat of a nursing-shortage in this country. Efforts are now underway to stem this exodus from this important profession.