Recognizing the Power of Collective Action in Nursing: Lessons from EDSA

Bilang mga nars, alam natin na ang propesyon natin demands hard work, dedication, and compassion. Pero, isa sa pinakamahalagang katangian na kailangan natin bilang mga propesyonal sa healthcare, ay ang ability to work together towards a common goal. The power of collective action is something that we can learn, from the example of the People Power Revolution in 1986.
I was six years old then, and too young to have an opinion. My only memory was that of the theme song they played on TV, that sounded like the beginning of an ending to something. I never thought that the spirit of EDSA then would be more relevant today.

The events of EDSA were a testament to the strength of collective action. I had never seen so many people on the street. Thousands upon thousands of Filipinos, united themselves under common banner in their fight for change. Filipinos came together to overthrow a dictatorship, in restore their freedom. This moment in history was a powerful example of what can be achieved when people work together towards a shared goal.

And just as the People Power Revolution united the Filipino people in their fight for a better future, we can also harness the power of collective action in nursing to achieve positive change in our field. Maraming example ng mga matagumpay na nursing initiatives at kilusan sa buong mundo, kung saan nagkakaisa ang mga nars para magadvocate sa mas magandang patient care, support for healthcare workers, and fairer worker conditions.

One such example is the ‘Nurses Take DC’ movement, where nurses from across the United States gathered in Washington DC to lobby for safe nurse-to-patient ratios, better working conditions, and more resources for healthcare workers. By working together, these nurses were able to bring attention to important issues facing the nursing profession and create a platform for change.

Another example is the ‘Nurses for Reform’ movement in the UK, where nurses united to advocate for improvements to the National Health Service (NHS). This movement has been instrumental in raising awareness about the challenges facing the NHS, and has been successful in influencing policy changes that benefit both nurses and patients.

On the flip side in in the Philippines, where the world sources the most nurses from, collective action in nursing is also strong but largely ignored. We have yet to see meaningful changes done by the government to address what nurses want, and what nurses need. In an editorial on Inquirer.net titled: Lifeline for PH Nurses, it says that nurses in the Philippines are taking care of up to 20 patients instead of the ideal 1:12 ratio (1:50 during the pandemic), with promised benefits often delayed for 2-3 years, while the government's nurse deployment program employs nurses as contractual employees without benefits. It’s no wonder why nurse recruitment is so popular these days. Filipino nurses would rather pursue a career in the United States or elsewhere, than languish in their home country. And they’ve done that collectively as well to the tune of about 19,000 nurses per year in the US alone. That’s 19,000 voiceless professionals who’ve chosen keep silent and live a better life overseas.

If only the 'people in power' in the Philippine government would collectively do right by nurses, then the spirit of EDSA would not be in vain. The irony is too painful to point out.

These are just a few examples of the power of collective action in nursing, and there are countless more. But the message is clear: We have as voice, and we matter. By working together, nurses can achieve a great many things in the healthcare system wherever they may be.

So what can we do to harness the power of collective action in our own workplaces and communities? One key step is to build strong relationships with our colleagues and work together to address common challenges. This can involve forming support groups, organizing initiatives to improve patient care, or simply taking the time to listen to each other and offer support when needed.

Another important step is to advocate for our profession and for our patients. This can involve participating in lobbying efforts, reaching out to policymakers, and educating the public about the important role that nurses play in healthcare.

But perhaps the most important thing we can do is to remember the lessons of EDSA and the People Power Revolution. By working together, we can create positive change in our field. We can ensure that every patient receives the high-quality care they deserve, and that every nurse has the support and resources they need to succeed.

Ang power ng collective action in nursing ay malakas na pwersa na mahirap i-ignore. Nakita naman natin na Filipinos have voiced their strongest opinion by just keeping quiet and moving overseas. Nakikita rin natin na all nurses from all parts of the world are fighting for a common cause that is just and warranted. And by working together and advocating for these changes collectively, we can create a better future for our patients, our colleagues, and ourselves. Let us be inspired by the example of EDSA and the People Power Revolution, and let us continue to work together, sama-sama and nagkakaisa. 🕊️💝