Nurses reflect on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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Image	“Martin Luther King Jr. opened the door for people like myself to be able to live life to its greatest potential. There was a time here when African Americans were not given the chance to fulfill their potential. Because of Dr. King I am able to treat patients that do and do not look like me. He set a legacy for us to continue to make sure we treat each other equally and support everyone. His continuous fight for equality is why we do not give up! I am grateful that Martin Luther King Jr. has given me the opportunity to be a nurse and save lives. I am able to give back to my community because of how he dedicated his life to equality and peace.” — Nancy Hagans, RN, Maimonides Medical Center
Image	“Dr. King believed in economic and equal rights for all, caring deeply about the human condition. As nurses, we are healers, educators, and advocates. Our patients are equal in our eyes. Part of our Nurses Prayer asks to give hope to those in our service. My pledge is to devote myself to the welfare of others. We do that by using our voice in peaceful protest, a hallmark of Dr. King's revolution, to advocate both in and out of the hospital. In the land of plenty, we must speak out and demand rights for all our brothers and sisters.” — Zina Klein, RN, Westchester Medical Center
Image	“Nurses are the keepers of lives and the vessels created to uphold the mantle of Dr. King’s vision of justice and equality for all. Nurses must stand up and help pave the way for truth, justice and to protect all lives. Dr. King said when we work with hands and hearts together, we build a world where everyone thrives. There is no better time to be a nurse than this moment. It presents so many opportunities for nurses to be at the forefront of justice. We are doing heroic work; however, heroes are the ones who lead the charge for change.” — Phoenix Tinson, MSN, RN, NYC Health+Hospitals/Queens
Image	“As nurses we can work towards achieving Dr. King’s vision of equality and justice for all: by ensuring we mirror the behaviors we want demonstrated; by acknowledging the performance of others in an unbiased and transparent manner; and by giving positive feedback when deserving. Long live the vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” — Rasheda M. Henry, RN, HN, Queens Hospital Medical Center
Image	“As nurses we have the honor and privilege of being voted as the most trusted profession in the nation. It is our responsibility to ensure that we advocate for all people to have increased resources in their communities in order to be more engaged in the health of their families and themselves. As we strive for ”Healthcare For All” we are upholding and working towards achieving King’s vision of equality and justice for all.” — Alizia McMyers, RN, NYC Health+Hospitals/ Harlem
Image	“MLK’s vision resonates now more then ever, because while one would argue that previously progress has been made in pursuit of equality, it is quite apparent that there has been regression in obtaining equality. We shouldn’t have to strive for a seat at the table of equality. It should be shared, and shared without violence.” — Gaile Beckford, RN, Flushing Hospital Medical Center
Image	“Stand up even if it means you stand alone sometimes.” — Lona Denisco, RN, Erie County Medical Center
Image	“As nurses we stand together to fight for equality and justice in healthcare and seek the same equity in access and quality sought after by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Our nursing oath tells us to devote ourselves to the welfare of humanity through advocacy, accountability, and truth. We work towards a greater future for all of the community members we serve regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or sexuality.” — Lily M. Werenczak, RN, St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center
Image	“All patients should have equal treatment regardless of what color they are or what country they are from. We have to advocate for all our patients to prevent injustices and any unsafe care.” — Michelle Minto, RN, Jacobi Medical Center
Image	“As people across this nation remember and celebrate Dr. King and his “dream,” the reality is that his “dream” has never been further away from our sight as it is now, given the recent events that occurred throughout most of 2020 amongst black and brown people across this nation. Racism was not only put into the spotlight, it was given a voice and empowered to be vocal by individuals in various positions of power, culminating in its demonstration of “privilege” as witnessed by many all over the U.S. on January 6th, 2021. The racial divide in the U.S. is at its greatest since Civil Rights became an issue to tackle. History is, in fact, repeating itself. — Reginalt Atangan, RN, NYC Health+Hospitals/Queens
Image	“If you are silent in the face of oppression, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” — Steven Bailey, RN, Terrace View Long Term Care
Image	“As nurses, we can uphold and work toward achieving King’s vision of equality and justice by loving one another and treating each other as brothers and sisters.” — Aretha Morgan, RN, NewYork-Presbyterian Columbia Hospital

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