Making a difference on the front lines

May 11, 2020 | (14) Comments

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.

14 Responses to “Making a difference on the front lines”

  1. Margaret Stuberfield

    There should always be a resounding Thank You to nurses during this week of recognition. No one wants to be sick, no one wants to have a physical or mental condition. Nurses are there in every avenue to comfort when things are not so good and celebrate the triumphs. It takes a skill that is part of the fiber of that person, a gift. So, as we endure this pandemic, nurses will stand with patients as always to comfort with compassion and provide healing that comes from the heart. Happy Nurse’s Week and more specifically, we lift up and appreciate every nurse in this Year of the Nurse.

  2. Jackie Ward

    Mr. Wallace
    Thanks for this wonderful blog for Nurse’s week! We are so proud of the resilient nursing workforce here at Texas Children’s Hospital. They are always ready for any crisis and they rise to the occasion with the spirit of passion and compassion for our patients and families. Thank you for your leadership! We are #oneamazingteam!!

  3. Shannon Zerber

    Thank you for sharing, Mr. Wallace! Our Nursing team across Texas Children’s is definitely sturdy and we are especially thankful for each of them during this time. I have never been more proud to be a nurse at Texas Children’s!

  4. Heather Cherry

    Mr. Wallace,
    Thank you for recognizing our incredible nursing team here at TCH. It is a honor and privilege to be a part of something so special. We have a nursing team like no other. The excellence, passion, and support our team delivers is palpable- bringing their very best each and every day. Thank you for your continued support of our nursing team! #OneAmazingTeam

  5. Lynda Tyer-Viola

    Well said Mr. Wallace. Kindness in abundance was a necessary attribute in the work of our Florence Nightingale and you recognize, that today, it is just as important for our nurses. What I am most appreciative of is the kindness shown by the nurses to each other! Happy Nurses Week!

  6. Gail Vozzella

    Dear Mr. Wallace
    The TCH Nursing Team has certainly taken great care of our patients during this pandemic. I could not be more grateful to work alongside such great leaders and a strong, resilient nursing workforce!
    Gail

  7. Mary Jo Andre

    What a great end to Nurses Week. Thanks so much for your ongoing and steadfast commitment to nursing. I am so proud of this Amazing team and of the work they do every day to deliver the highest quality and safest care to our patients. We are so appreciative of your support and the support of our many team members. Thanks for making our week complete. Stay safe.

  8. Thank you, Mr. Wallace, for this blog in recognition of TCH’s nurses. The nursing staff at TCH is extremely resilient, compassionate, and here to support our patients as they navigate the ever changing waters of this pandemic. #2020TheYearoftheNurse!! #OneAmazingTeam!!

  9. Jennifer Sanders

    What a great way to end Nurses’ Week! I am humbled and honored to be part of an amazing team that pairs science with caring and compassion to care for those entrusted to us. It is an amazing privilege to work alongside nurses who lead tirelessly in good times and in challenging times. Thank you and the entire organization for your unwavering support of the nursing team at Texas Children’s.

  10. Natashia Bush

    Mr. Wallace,
    What an honor and a privilege it is to be a part of this organization and #OneAmazingTeam. Thank you for the amazing support that you have shown to the nursing staff during Nurse’s Week and every day. I have often said, when you stand on the shoulders of great leaders, amazing things happen. That you and the organization for your continued dedication, support, and leadership.

  11. Tarra Kerr

    Mr. Wallace,
    Thank you for the unwavering support and gratitude of our nurses, not just for Nurses Week, but every day. It is a privilege to be a nurse at Texas Children’s Hospital. I have never been more proud of our team and our profession or more grateful to work with the many colleagues across our system that ensure compassionate, safe, and high quality care every day. Thank you and our entire executive team for steadfast and thoughtful leadership. #oneamazingteam #yearofthenurse

  12. Denise Tanner-Brown

    Mr. Wallace,
    Nurses’ Week is extra special this year. It’s marks a significant milestone in the history of the nursing profession and of course, nurses are serving on the front lines in the wake of this pandemic. Who knew 2020, the Year of the Nurse, would put nursing on a global stage.

    I’m super proud to be a nurse and to have worked my entire nursing career at Texas Children’s Hospital.

    Thank you Mr. Wallace for always celebrating the contributions of nursing to the system.

    Denise

  13. Karen Sripan

    Nurses Week this year is much different than years past. As we do our part to keep our patients, our community, and each other safe, I am reminded of why this year’s Nurses Week is especially important. We are going through unprecedented times and solving problems we have never been faced with. That being said, I am amazed and proud of how our nursing team has respond in the face of uncertainty. It is times like this, I have so much gratitude for our profession. The world is dependent on nurses more than ever and the courage and bravery our nurses have displayed has not gone unnoticed.

    Thank you to all the nurses out there and Happy Nurses Week!

  14. Susan Romero

    Dear Mr. Wallace,
    It’s always so encouraging to hear your thoughts especially during these difficult times. You are really caring for us like we care for our patients and families when you take time to appreciate and uplift the Nursing Team. I am so honored and proud to be a nurse here at Texas Children’s. I hold that honor very dear to my heart. Wishing you well!

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