Thanking nurses every day

The United States observes National Nurses’ Week every year in May;  it is well deserved.

National Nurses Week begins each year on May 6th and ends on May 12th, Florence Nightingale’s birthday.

 

 

 

 

I am a physician because of a nurse. As a child I was interested in health care and decided to become a nurse- that’s what girls did in the 1970’s. I needed advice so I talked to the nurse at my high school about her career.

After answering my questions, she looked straight at me and said, “Aletha, have you thought about going to medical school?” Until that time, I had not. But from that suggestion my path changed and grew into a medical career .

Some of my best friends have been and are nurses. They understand my crazy life. Since the majority of nurses are women, we have that common bond;  they understand juggling a career with marriage and motherhood.

 

 

Unfortunately, nursing,  like medical practice, has become heavy on documentation. I hear my nurse friends lament the amount of time they spend charting at a computer instead of caring at the bedside.

The American health care system is changing in ways sometimes characterized as an overhaul- payment reform, new delivery methods, quality measurements, patient engagement are all buzzwords now. But one thing hasn’t changed.

There are still women and men who choose to become nurses, not for a lucrative salary, or a convenient work schedule, but because they want to make a difference in the world, one patient at a time. For that, we offer our appreciation and respect.

Heart and Soul- The Story of Florence Nightingale

 

FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE by Sony Pictures

 

 

 

 

 

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Why not thank a nurse today? They truly embody the

HEART of health. 

 

Please share this post. Thanks. Dr. Aletha