National Nurse's Week is a time to celebrate the many contributions of nurses. This month, you may take part in some type of celebration, award ceremony, or recognition program. Enjoy the moment and reflect on the joys your profession brings to you.
There are many ways that we will salute nurses-award luncheons, breakfast sessions, pizza or ice cream deliveries, and other creative ways to say thank you. Many heartfelt activities will take place in hospitals, clinics, and other health care settings. Some hospitals may rejoice with a religious ceremony such as a mass, or a spiritual reflection, a Labyrinth walk, or candlelight service. Administrators will take time to shake hands and express sincere gratitude.
Nurses are consistently appreciated for their selflessness, tireless work ethic, and compassionate care. Most recently, nurses are recognized as an important dynamic toward successful patient outcomes. Advance practice nurses and expanding roles are improving access to care, providing services, education, and specialty care to many. It is an exciting time for health care as nurses are central to the success of accountable care, evidence-based practice, and population health. Traditionally, a noble profession, and a respected science, nursing currently attracts top students, professionals from other disciplines, and students from diverse backgrounds. Our best work may be to welcome and mentor this emerging workforce.
During Nurses Week, the local newspaper in my city publishes a "Salute to Nurses" issue. During the preceding weeks, patients, families, colleagues, managers, and administrators nominate nurses through essays that describe an encounter or series of events that depict relationships and/or the work of 1 individual, 1 unit, or a group of nurses. This is my favorite issue. It illuminates the work of dedicated nurses working in intensive care units, community health, education, or school nursing or simply recognizes the kindness and support of a retired nurse, helping with her community. The depth and breadth of the stories are incredible and, often, news to many in the community. It is a wonderful way to educate the public about contemporary nursing roles. The opportunity for families and colleagues to share their gratitude reminds us of what is often left unspoken. One quotation from last year's issue shares the emotions of a family member.
"Nurse Linda went to work. She rearranged furniture and equipment to give her optimal access to all the monitors and IVs connected to my husband, her only patient. For the next 12 hours, she responded to every noise and beep while continually monitoring his medications, vital signs, and the cooling process that lowered his core body temperature to protect his brain. Every time she touched her comatose patient, she told him what she was doing and treated him with remarkable respect and kindness. I'm not even sure that she took a bathroom break in those first 12 hours. She returned the next night and again worked just as tirelessly through the same long hours. Linda carefully explained what was going on to me, James' terrified wife, which helped our family to get through those first horrific days."1
Families are very appreciative and provide many expressions of gratitude, yet very often, nurses are not aware of the gratitude that exists among peers. Nurses nominated by colleagues are often surprised and humbled by the attention. Nurse.com honored Ellie Bergeron, an educator and wonderful mentor and friend, for making unique, enduring, and measureable contributions to education and mentorship. Ellie responded by saying.
"To be honored for the work I love to do each day is an incredible blessing." She adds, "Each day I am privileged to learn and to teach as I travel with a new graduate or an educator on the journey to thinking, feeling, and being a nurse no matter what the role."2
As you enjoy the gifts, awards, and expressions of gratitude this week, pledge to pay it forward and mentor a young nurse. Your talents are many, and you have much to share. Congratulations and happy Nurses Week!
Kathleen Ahern Gould, PhD, MSN, RN
Editor in Chief Dimensions of Critical Care Nursing
Adjunct Faculty
William F. Connell School of Nursing
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
The author has disclosed that she has no significant relationships with, or financial interest in, any commercial companies pertaining to this article.
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