Nurses are Heroes

 

During a worldwide Covid-19 pandemic, many of us remain very busy continuing our careers of important jobs in relocation, real estate, mortgage, household goods movement, finance, temporary living, etcetera.  We are all trying to make life as “normal” as possible, going on with our daily lives. 

I had an encounter this week at UT Southwestern Medical Center that made me stop a moment and think about the unsung heroes in this Covid world.  Nurses are the unsung heroes of today.  Current demand on nurses and for nurses has never been higher.  There are nearly 4 million registered nurses in our country, I read.  Many are coming out of retirement to help in the pandemic and nursing students are stepping up requesting emergency nursing licenses.  They deal with people when they are at their worst, usually sick and tired (or sick and tired of navigating our healthcare system).  Nurses in hospitals walk nearly 5 miles a day and still manage to treat patients with kindness, compassion, and grace.   

Americans trust their nurses rating them highest in honesty and ethics according to Gallup (the polling people).  Nurses were rated higher than doctors, police officers, and clergy.  Next time you have the opportunity, let your nurse (or a nurse) know how valued they are.

Patient experience and quality of care depends on nurses. And most of all, nurses are real people and know what is important to a patient and their family – compassion, empathy, and support.  Thank you to all the nurses out there during this year – the “Year of the Nurse” according to the World Health Organization.  Go thank a nurse!!