We recently received a message from Suzanne Fontanesi in Baltimore, sharing a letter she is sending to her Senator asking them to shadow a nurse to inform their health care debate by seeing reality up close and personal. She has given us permission to post the letter here so that other nurses can follow through with their senators as well!

Dear Senator _______,

I am a nurse writing to you on behalf of tens of thousands of my fellow nurses, who are deeply concerned about the possibility of Americans losing health care coverage. Before the Senate votes to repeal and/or replace of the Affordable Care Act, Congress members should be very clear eyed about who will be impacted, and how that impact will shape lives.

Nurses are ranked as the most trusted professionals in the nation. Members of Congress are ranked among the least trusted. In the eyes of the American public, nurses have distinguished themselves as moral, responsible and compassionate professionals. One important practice among nurses is that of ”shadowing”. Before committing to a workplace, a nurse spends time observing at close hand, the minute to minute reality of the people they will be serving.

Senators have great responsibility and many demands on their time, which function to keep them at a distance from many of the realities of daily life for the average American, not to mention the most vulnerable.

On behalf of the American people, I am inviting every United States Senator to spend a full work day shadowing a nurse, prior to voting on the repeal of the ACA. I ask them to observe a full work day, not as honored guests, but as quiet and anonymous observers in settings where nurses are caring for vulnerable Americans. Go with an open mind and ask questions.

I am requesting that you pause and take in the reality with your own eyes, ears and noses. Then, you may more legitimately resume the debate that will shape the lives of the most vulnerable millions of Americans. Regardless of party affiliation or political ideology, each Senator will bring relevant, firsthand information to the conversation.
Among 100 Senators, you will have collectively taken in the reality at schools, nursing homes, hospital emergency rooms, community mental health clinics, churches, drug treatment centers, and homeless shelters. Only then can you look us in the eyes and say that you understand our lives.

Please share this request with your fellow Senators. I will be happy to facilitate a shadow day for you or any of your colleagues.

Thank you for your consideration,

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