Remember our nurses

  • Published
  • By Maj. Rebecca McCullers
  • Surgical Services Flight Commander, 88th Surgical Operations Squadron
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  The 88th Medical Group at Wright-Patterson Medical Center will join our nation May 6-12 to celebrate National Nurses Week.

Every year, nurses are honored for their skill, expertise and compassion in serving the ever changing, expanding, and diverse health care needs of this country. The 88th Medical Group will pay special tribute to our nurses and medical technicians who serve our active duty, retirees, dependents, and community at large.

The profession of nursing encompasses a wide variety of talents and passions, but we all share in the commitment to compassionate nursing care and patient safety.

Recognizing nurses every year officially began in 1982 when Congress designated May 6 as National Nurses Day. This week coincides with the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.

This year's theme, chosen by the American Nurses Association, is "Nurses Trusted to Care". For the 11th year, nurses were voted the most trusted profession in America in Gallup's annual survey that ranks professions for their honesty and ethical standards.

This recognition from our country's consumers of healthcare is an honor and the profession of nursing strives to uphold this distinction by seeking new and innovative ways to improve patient care and safety.

Nurses and medical technicians serve in a wide variety of patient care environments in the Air Force, such as Inpatient Nursing Units, Aeromedical Evacuation, Operating Room and Same Day Surgery, Emergency Room, Mental Health, and Immunizations clinic, just to name a few. One of our most important and unique jobs, however, is serving in the deployed environment, taking care of our military and civilian sick and wounded, ensuring that they have the highest level of compassionate care available.

First Lady Michelle Obama summed up the importance of the nursing profession during a recent conference call with 1,000 nurses about healthcare reform. She shared a very personal story of the expert care her sick daughter received in the Emergency Room.

"We all have these stories because in moments of need, nurses are on the front lines of America's health care system...in moments of need, nurses are the ones who make things work," Mrs. Obama said.

During National Nurses week, the 88th Medical Group will host a number of events to celebrate and appreciate our nursing staff, including a breakfast kick- off, sports activities, and an international themed luncheon. Please take the time to recognize and thank the nurses and medical technicians you may encounter this week.