Tell me this is more than about cards. There are an estimated 29 million nurses in the world, with 3.9 million of these dedicated, hardworking professionals residing in the United States alone. The remarks of a Washington state senator who ignited a maelstrom of discontent has enraged millions of nurses.

In an unprecedented act of unity, not seen since Joy Behar’s doctors’ stethoscope comment in 2015, or Alex Wubbel’s arrest in 2017, have nurses joined together so demonstrably, united in protest state senator Maureen Walsh.

But is that really at the heart of the matter? After the 24-hour news tsunami of GIFs and memes has passed on our Twitter feeds, what then? By their sheer massive numbers alone, nurses are a force to be reckoned with. Yet, after the tempest subsides, and the attention dies down, what next? The same issues will sadly remain. Nurses are being assaulted and murdered. Short staffing. Long working hours. Workplace hazards. Compensation. But the harsh reality is the only topic that fuels enough outrage to create unity among nurses, are the appallingly ignorant comments of a talk show host, an overly zealous officer, and a state senator.

Kristine Cheruk

Cheshire