National Nurses Week is observed every year beginning on May 6 with National Nurses Day and ending on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of nursing as a modern profession. My health care career began as a practicing nurse, so I know firsthand the countless everyday contributions nurses make on the frontline of providing patient care.
At Franklin Community Health Network, nursing is our largest group of patient care providers. We employ more than 200 nurses, ranging from nurse practitioners, to registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants. These professionals care for patients of every age in a wide variety of settings: from Franklin Health medical practices, to hospital outpatient and inpatient units, and community settings.
In collaboration with doctors and other clinicians, nurses provide education, guidance and resources to individuals managing an illness or chronic condition. Nurses help patients understand discharge and care plans, medication regimens, appointment follow ups, referrals to other providers, and equipment needs. They impact patients and their families on a personal level by combining nursing science with caring and compassion.
Our nurses also demonstrate leadership by taking active roles in advancing nursing quality and patient safety. For example, in February our nurse managers hosted a skills’ fair that created an interactive and engaging four-day learning environment to enhance nursing expertise with the ultimate goal of providing our patients with the highest level of nursing care possible.
On May 6 our organization will declare the recipient of the fourth annual Excellence in Nursing Award, an award established to recognize outstanding contributions by nurses who demonstrate exceptional nursing practice and professionalism. Stay tuned: the announcement about this remarkable individual is forthcoming.
When you see a nurse in the coming weeks, be sure to thank this unsung hero for his or her everyday efforts to promote optimal patient outcomes and improve the overall health of our community.
Rebecca Arsenault, RN
Franklin Community Health Network President/CEO
They’re no more unsung heroes than nurses
My mother, Hester Davis, ended her career as night supervisor at the old FCMH
More often than not in the course of undirected conversation with locals when in town I’m asked “Wasn’t your mother Hester Davis at the hospital?, I remember her well
It is indeed a privilege to work with many wonderful women and men who give from their heart to ease the suffering of others. We are fortunate to have such dedicated nurses in our area. I watch these people sacrifice daily to provide comfort, sometimes in very difficult situations. Here’s to all of you who provide the TLC that we all have needed or will need some day. Happy Nurses Week! TD
My gratitude for my work at FCHN where our leader is not only a CEO she is a nurse, making her uniquely qualified to lead an organization that focuses on keeping our patients well being at the center of our mission. My peers are amazing team players who lift each other up resulting in excellent patient care. FCHN makes our community stronger, both literally and figuratively because our nurses and doctors support each other to meet our goal of high quality patient centered care. It is a privilege to practice here. tl