EDITORIAL EMERGENCY NURSING: ON FAST TRACKS Choosing to be at the lane of medical leaning entitles one to the eternal trend:

running with haste but with every step in mind. Reported cases of heart attacks, stroke, cerebrovascular accidents are the top leading causes of death according to the World Health Organization(October 2008). These cases are like unexpected visitors who would suddenly knock at the doorstep and catch anyone by surprise. An inevitable twist of fate in this noble profession. A terrifying place to be in. A race that requires thorough preparation of knowledge and skills, swift action or risk death stealing the grand prize: LIFE.

With crises that even Madam Auring couldnt predict, medical practitioners are disciplined to perform the appropriate medical interventions for every possible circumstance. Lectures, seminars, clinical rotations, return demonstrations and continuous education are provided to meet the demands of the society at large. But why are there a still a great number of health practitioners who have cold feet at such desperate times? What part of the preparation process had caused the incapacity to fulfill this role?

Taking a good look at each angle, those in higher authority are disseminating research results to stand as the baseline data for assessment use. An example of this is the new guidelines released by the American Heart Association regarding the new practice for CPR. Classrooms that are conducive for learning are built. Facilities and laboratories are produced for skill enhancement like the Virtual Laboratory Simulation at the college of this very institution (bawal still ang first person sher ), where Allen Smith, the first and only interactive computer human patient simulator, lies. Other necessary exposures, such as RLE duties, immersions, medical missions, return demonstrations and community extensions, are organized to facilitate the growth of nursing students, hone their skills and prepare them in an actual setting. In school, the lecturers, who are very much credible enough to teach, have provided the fundamental information and essential knowledge. Images, videos and more references are distributed just to give students a sense of awareness of what the future might hold. What part of the preparation process is missing? Why do others watch in silence when they should be presenting themselves to help? How could there be so few brave souls who could stand the fear and take the risk?

A slight hesitation on our part might mean the death of another. Every second counts, every minute matters. We wouldnt want to have a spirit who is one part brave and three parts fool when serious moments arise. But with all the long hours of lecture, sleepless nights of writing requirements, and unimaginable hospital experiences, one must find no reason to be a fool. Moving forward to the unknown could actually bring fear and doubts but with our chosen track of profession, we ought to do what we are ought to do, we run forward and not backwards.

With time-bounded chances, the heart-crashing setbacks, and the many reasons to back away, it is but safe to say that this profession is an enormous challenge and just being called for it is glorious and divine. Today, we may only see deadlines to beat, clinical instructors to please and exams to finish if not to pass. But beyond those adrenaline-rushing moments, is a nurse towed to the driveway of her dreams amidst the traffic of uncertainty.

However, as difficult as our lives may be at times, as grueling as it may be to work night shift after night shift, we cannot lose track of our fundamental purpose of being healers and advocates for our patients. It's an empowering privilege that we have to take care of patients in the time of their greatest need. It's a profound honor that families place care of their loved ones in our hands. It is a fulfilling journey to reach the finish line in our profession with lesser regrets and enormous pride to have actually won the race against death and to have saved a life.