Just as the “Big Bang Theory”, evolved in response of scientists needing to explain how the earth and greater Universe aligned itself into near perfect “shape” and “synchronicity”. Yes, nearly perfect it how it performs its greater function…that is to provide the physics, chemistry, biology and for us close and personal (here on earth) the ecology to sustain the life as it finds itself…in this moment in time.If we apply “quantum” physics…in fact Quantum sciences in its many possible forms (biology and ecology studies are needed to take such a Quantum leap, to get everyone on the same page as the importance of our own survival, is to re-define our relationships to mother earth, as well as the sun, moon, and everything else celestial).

The age of “nano-technology” is here, and is largely responsible for us to develop “knowledge and expand our collective consciousness”. This “collective” (with collaboration desired if not absolutely essential)…first need to go “nano” before the expansion to Quantum can be realized. I could speak to all “life scientists” here, but few appreciate a perspective that did not reach their ears in an academic centre. The collaboration “possible”, is the hardest part…and may need the “Big Bang” to settle the chaos, into a well functioning “synchronized” organism.

To split an Atom…we can do it, but should we. We have and we fear the consequences of on a global scale. Should we “split hairs” and divide ourselves out of a molecular, or organismic relationship to other’s in health care. There is continuous debate regarding the solutions to our growing Health Care Crisis. Many have been convinced now that the solutions simply lies in producing and supporting more physicians and nurses. Truly the solutions is inclusive of: reducing the need for physicians and nurses, at least as we know their role in the more traditional sense (taking care of the sick). Clearly pro-active and preventative health care is under-developed, limited largely to immunizations and screening for Cancer. There is a required “re-orientation of health care services” that was postulated more than twenty years ago in “The Ottawa Charter of Health Promotion”. This is the support of the notion that Federal mandates rarely get followed by Provincial Health Care Leadership.

Further….there would be no shortage, if every one involved truly loved their job and were excited about making a difference in peoples lives. The fee-for-service model of re-imbursement, has lead to physician burn-out (enticing some to “zip” through an assessment and scribble quickly…the solution that has been proposed by their most frequent mentors….the Pharmaceutical reps, with gourmet luncheons in hand).

While the middle-class (and above) can afford the gym memberships and Massage and Chiropractor treatment, privileging them with their own tier of health care…those that are poor or are dependents (children, the frail elderly, the disabled, the mentally ill, etc)…get what the provinces deliver. One can go to the doctor for a quick five or ten minutes, walk away with prescription or referral to “Specialist” in hand, but they do not have access to a “Nursing Paradigm”, unless it is hospital or home care, largely delegated now to other providers, often with no license…and minimal training. Enter the “Wellness” approach (again those with employer paid coverage can get the Physio, the Private room in the hospital, the re-imbursement for acupuncture and sometimes Naturopath) and hugely missing out…again those without a voice and without money.
Nursing Theory has been in a stage of evolution and there are now multiple streams of Advanced Practice education, while without being able to “hang up a shingle” much like physicians are privileged to do, this can be considered social injustice. It is injustice to the public, (especially the poor and vulnerable) but also a blatant “social justice” issue, in that, while education acquirement if different, the orientation differs for many nurses while education (total credits given to “internship that is ON-THE-JOB) quite often exceeds the basic General Practice of Family Physician.

So the Quantum leap is “inherent” in nursing theory already…the jump is the autonomy of Advanced Practice. This represents Quantum thinking by politicians and policy makers…and this is a Quantum leap for Physicians to realized the benefits (but also the rights of the public they serve) of a “Shared Care” or Collaborative approach. Considering the way the “universe that it health care”…where the alignment is prevalent to a “sickness” model…there is reason to believe…related to the social justice piece but also the need to have nurses (nursing student, potential nursing students) to get excited about their future. The Autonomy issue, Choice of provider (for the public)…addressing the “vulnerable groups” and “equity for genders” are all part of the interface and the greater structure of this subject. Both “Nano” theory…(those little seemingly insignificant but powerful differences in approach and understanding of wellness and health)…and the Quantum leap forward that is needed (on what has already been addressed by the Ottawa Charter twenty years ago, with Romanow and Kirby recommending much of what ai share here…5 years past due.

So, as a public taxpaying voter…you need to speak out…and to your elected officials who are supported through promises of their leadership. You can be friendly about it, but you do have the right to expect choice, healthy (not harmful) approaches to Health Care and Wellness applications.

Do see that the Nurse Led (Advanced Practice Nurses included Clinics (I prefer Family Wellness Centres) can be the Quantum leap needed to help solve health care and keep more nurses wanting to be “emancipated, enlightened, empowered …educated and engaged and to be a nurse for a lifetime…in Canada.

BE well, BE wise, BE the change

Dave