Nurturing Nurses
Last week was “National Nurses Week”, which honors Florence Nightingale’s birthday. The American Nurses Association (ANA) holds a week-long event to recognize and celebrate the wonderful work of registered nurses across our country. The ANA is committed to protecting, promoting and improving healthcare for all. The ANA takes pride in the fact that the public sector has rated nursing as the most HONEST & ETHICAL profession for years running, as nurses make up the largest sector of the healthcare professions. Each year, the ANA selects a theme for “National Nurses Week” and this years’ theme was “Nurses: Inspire, Innovate & Influence.” This theme is tied so closely to Florence Nightingale herself and her mission in life.
Florence Nightingale was a profound woman behind the movement to provide care to others. She was known as “The Lady with the Lamp,” making her night-time rounds to wounded soldiers during the Crimean War. She left us with a legacy of vast inspiration and, innovation that was wise beyond her years, influencing the entire nursing field.
Not only did Florence Nightingale leave us with an earnest foundation, she left us with scholarly words of wisdom. Her quotes were quite riveting.
I attribute my success to this - I never gave or took any excuse.
How very little can be done under the spirit of fear.
It may seem a strange principle to enunciate as the very first requirement in a hospital that it should do the sick no harm.
Were there none who were discontented with what they have, the world would never reach anything better.
Women have no sympathy and my experience of women is almost as large as Europe.
The world is put back by the death of every one who has to sacrifice the development of his or her peculiar gifts to conventionality.
I’m quite touched by Florence Nightingale and the power in her legacy and messages. She paved the way for nurses and their deep compassion and sincere desire to heal and administer to the sick.
Nurses have a very special place in my heart. One nurse, in particular inspires me – my daughter, Melanie. Melanie is an oncology nurse. My daughter was touched by the strength of nursing when she witnessed her father’s illness and sadly his passing. It was during this most dark time of her life that she actually felt moved by the capacity of her own desire to minister to, care for others and tend to their personal medical needs.
During our darkest moments on life’s journey, we can’t see the light, but goodness often comes with a new season. Melanie is a beautiful, compassionate, caring, warm-hearted, empathetic and tender nurse. She cares deeply for her patients and their needs. I applaud Melanie and all of the outstanding nurses. Thank you for your unending passion, protection, tender-care, concern and loving attention you give to so many each and every day. We are truly blessed to have such wonderful nurses in our world.
