As we do each year, Texas Children’s celebrated National Nurses Week from May 6-12 to recognize our nurses for their numerous successes, accomplishments and contributions to our patients and their profession.
With more than 3,700 nurses working across the system, our nurses go above and beyond to advance care and improve the experience and outcomes for our patients and their families. Their endless compassion, comfort and desire to help others can be seen and felt across the organization. Clutching the hands of a parent who received tough news about their child. Giving up family time during holidays and weekends to spend time with patients and families in the hospital. Calming a mother’s fear as she prepares to give birth to her first child. Regardless of the circumstances, our nurses leave a lasting impression on every patient they encounter, and they are the core of the experience patients and families have while in our care – even as we face new challenges.
Nurses Week is especially meaningful this year, as we celebrated and honored our nurses who have been on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even during this time of social distancing, our nurses continue to deliver the same level of care and compassion that our patients need to help them heal as they navigate their illness and the anxieties and uncertainties that come with combatting this historic and unprecedented global health situation.
During these difficult times, we can draw strength and resilience from our nurses. While the COVID-19 pandemic is changing constantly, our nurses are poised to handle such challenges that come their way and still return the next day or night to do it all over again with courage and perseverance. I appreciate their hard work and sacrifice.
In celebration of our nurses here and around the world, the World Health Organization named 2020 the Year of the Nurse. This tribute was inspired by the 200th birthday of pioneering nurse Florence Nightingale – the lady with the lamp who brought hope and comfort to wounded soldiers during her nightly rounds. Nursing professionals today carry the torch of a proud tradition and have become essential contributors to healthcare. Their skill, dedication and courage touch every community and countless lives, and make an inspiring difference every day.
Nurses are on the front lines of an incredible public health crisis right now, and our appreciation of their contributions is more important than ever – often, even simple words of gratitude make a tremendous difference. A few weeks ago, Natashia Bush, an assistant clinical director for the Emergency Center at our Medical Center Campus, described in her Voice of Nursing blog post how a child life specialist’s inspiring chalk art outside the EC brightened her day and how even the smallest acts of kindness go a long way, especially during times like these when we all need a little reassurance.
Aesop’s famous quote brings new meaning in today’s world – “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” As we adapt to difficult changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, we can do our part to encourage and lift each other up. Whether it’s sending a thank you note or giving a virtual hug for a job well done, I encourage everyone to take a moment to thank our nurses and each other – because everyone here at Texas Children’s is making a difference.
Because of you, we are sturdy, we are strong, and we are #OneAmazingTeam.