Beverly Bokovitz:
Happy Nurses Week 2022! I would like to take a moment and celebrate the many nurses that work with Shriners Children. This year’s theme is “Nurses: A voice to lead” and asks us to invest in nursing and respect rights to secure global health—so timely given current international events.
As we celebrate nurse’s week, I want to publicly thank each of you for all you do. Every day, I am impressed by your knowledge, compassion, and commitment. I am honored to be your colleague and cannot say loudly enough or proudly enough that you are such an important part of the high-quality patient care we deliver to our patients at Shriners Children.”
And, the ANA suggests we look at four focus areas for this year’s celebration:
First is self-care, dedicated to cultivating and maintaining optimal mental health and physical well-being. As we learn to live with the virus, our world has changed and shifted and we need to ensure that we are taking care of our own needs. Remember, put your oxygen on first before you can help others.
Second is recognition. Honor the work of nurses who lead, excel, and innovate, not only in our health care systems but also in our communities which makes them vital to transforming the future of health care.
Third is professional development. Access resources and insights to guide you in your professional development. Focus on how you can excel and lead in your nursing career or inspire and help others in their professional journey.
And last, community engagement. Focus on engaging with your community this week, whether virtually or in-person. Educate members of your community on what nurses do beyond the bedside.
In closing, I would like to again offer my profound gratitude for all that you do and offer a quote from Maya Angelou.
“As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul, and body of our patients, their families, and ourselves. They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”
Happy Nurses Week.
