DiversityNursing Blog

In the fast-paced world of healthcare, where long hours, demanding schedules, and challenging situations are the norm, it's essential to take a moment to reflect on the things that make the Nursing profession uniquely rewarding. Let's delve into the aspects of the field Nurses are thankful for.

Support Systems

Nurses hold deep gratitude for the unwavering support and love they receive from their families and friends. 

Carol, RN, BSN said, "After practicing 36 years, I appreciate my family that have supported me, gone on without me over weekends and holidays, birthdays, etc. I appreciate how they listened when I came home and vented about a bad day of being short staff or cried due to losing a special patient. I apologize for the times I ruined meals talking medical jargon at the table that doesn’t bother me anymore while I eat. What I guess I am trying to say is thank you for supporting me in my career because I certainly could not have done it without you!"

Patient Success Stories

Experiencing the joy of seeing patients overcome challenges strengthens Nurses' dedication to positively impacting the lives of those under their care.

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Josie Dotson, says "My job allows me to attend births and resuscitate 22-to-42-week infants, perform high-risk procedures, develop and manage care plans for NICU patients, and educate and support staff/families along the way. I feel so blessed to have such an amazing job where I make a difference in babies’ lives every day."

Professional Recognition

Nurses greatly appreciate the recognition of their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment, both within the healthcare setting and from the broader community. It is crucial for them to feel valued and appreciated in their workplace, as it fuels their motivation to continue making a difference in the lives of those they care for.

Each year, as part of its National Nurses Week celebration, Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital celebrates its Nurses with awards recognizing excellence in critical thinking, commitment to patient teaching, continuing education and outstanding delivery of patient- and family-centered care with compassion and dignity.

Patty Barfield, an Assistant Professor at the Oregon Health & Science University School of Nursing, said the most meaningful recognition has come from patients. Recently, Barfield, who is also a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, received an email from a patient she saw 10 years ago. Now 25 and with a family, the man thanked her for how she helped him as a teen. 

“It was the nicest thing ever to know that you made a difference,” she said. 

Patient Connections 

Nurses cherish the profound bonds they form with their patients. These meaningful exchanges create a lasting impact on both the Nurse and the individual receiving care. Nurses consider it an honor to provide solace and guidance during moments of vulnerability.

Jen Tobon, a Lead Clinical Nurse at Johns Hopkins, was nominated for the DAISY Award by the mother of one of her patients. The patient had been in the hospital for some time, on another floor at first, before being transferred to Jen’s unit. In the nomination letter, the patient’s mother wrote that Jen provided wonderful care and went above and beyond to make her son’s birthday extra special. “When we arrived that morning, his doorway was decorated with balloons and a poster that all of the nurses signed with their well wishes. She coordinated with the fourth floor to have a party for him in the conference room and even drew his favorite Bluey characters on the whiteboard.” Thank you, Jen, for making your patient’s special day even more meaningful.

Team Collaboration

Nurses deeply appreciate the sense of camaraderie they experience when collaborating with doctors, therapists, and their fellow nurses. This close working relationship fosters a strong sense of community and shared purpose, which ultimately creates a supportive and uplifting work environment.

Kathleen Lynam, after working as a Nurse for the majority of her life, has now moved away from bedside Nursing into coaching and teaching. She is most grateful for the lessons she learned while working with team members through hurricanes, blizzards, accreditation visits, power failures, and staffing crises.

Lynam has worked alongside some Nurses for more than 40 years. She celebrates these longtime friendships and the courage and perseverance they have shown her. She has a profound gratitude for her profession and all it's given her, like the resilience she witnesses in the people she's worked with most of her life.

"I have become grateful for a profession that has overcome unprecedented adversity," Lynam said. "My prayer for my profession is that we continually learn and support each other."

Advancements in Healthcare 

Nurses appreciate the continuous advancements in medical technology, treatments, and healthcare practices, which have revolutionized patient outcomes and elevated the effectiveness and fulfillment of their roles.

According to research, over 80% of Nurses believe that technology has improved their ability to provide quality care. This allows them to provide better patient care and helps reduce healthcare costs while ensuring everyone gets the best possible treatment. Technology has also enabled Nurses to stay connected as well as with other members of the healthcare team from any location – allowing them to collaborate more efficiently than ever before.

Professional Growth Opportunities 

Nurses are thankful for the countless opportunities to advance their careers within the profession. Whether they are pursuing advanced degrees, specializing in specific fields, or stepping into leadership roles, Nurses appreciate the continuous growth and evolution that comes with their chosen path.

Karrie Brazaski, a Nurse and healthcare Executive with three decades of experience says she owes her increased empathy and compassion to Nursing, along with her ability to climb the ladder from Staff Nurse to Chief Nursing Officer, to Chief Operating Officer, to now business owner and founder of Helping Healthcare Heroes.

Flexible Schedules 

Nurses are grateful for adaptability certain Nursing positions offer, including the availability of different shift options and part-time opportunities. These flexible schedules play a crucial role in fostering a harmonious work-life balance.

In a profession where compassion and care are at the forefront, Nurses find fulfillment in a myriad of aspects. This Thanksgiving, let's express gratitude for the remarkable individuals who dedicate their lives to the well-being of others—our Nurses.

We love our Nurses and with Thanksgiving being celebrated next week, it is only appropriate that we give thanks to all you awesome Nurses!

I’ve spent some time as a patient, parent, and decision-maker of a gravely ill parent, in doctor’s offices, ER’s, OR’s, ICU’s, school nurse offices, nursing homes, etc. Every time, I’ve been amazed at the professionalism, understanding and compassion of the Nurses I’ve encountered over the years, both personally and professionally. I appreciate how hard you work and how much you give of yourself. You’ve seen it all. It is not a job for the weak or selfish.

Every day, in every kind of healthcare facility, you save countless lives day in and day out. This should be enough to be thankful for, but there is so much more you do.

Here are some of the reasons we Appreciate and Thank You…

1)       Terrific Listening Skills. With great communication skills, you listen to your patient’s questions, concerns, pain, complaints, etc. You always do your best to address these concerns, get answers, and show you care.

2)       Sense of Calmness. Panic isn't an option. You know how to remain calm in chaotic situations and provide the best care possible. You know time spent panicking is critical time wasted. This sense of calmness is felt by your patients and helps to keep them from panicking. What a wonderful gift!

3)       Empathy. You work with patients when they are worried about their health. Perhaps they just received a scary diagnosis, are facing surgery or painful medical treatment. The point is, you often see patients when they are at the lowest points in their lives and are most vulnerable. You empathize with them.

4)       Patience. Some patients, or their loved ones, lash out at those who are trying to help. It’s difficult not to take it personally, but you understand it is their stress, pain or grief that is responsible for their behavior. You understand and dig deep continuing to give care. Your patient attitude also comes in handy when fellow staff behave inappropriately under stressful circumstances. 

5)       Super Smart. There’s no doubt about it. Nurses are very intelligent. You might be just starting or continuing your education. Or, you worked hard in school and passed the NCLEX. You’re always learning and discovering better ways to get things done. Your critical thinking skills and ability to think on your feet are truly impressive!

6)       Passion and Dedication. Many of you push through 12+ hour shifts on your feet, skipping bathroom and lunch breaks to make sure your patients are getting everything they need. You are dedicated to being the best Nurse possible.

7)       Best Teammates. People can sense and feel a hostile work environment. You do your best to support and help each other get through the toughest times. Being part of a team is essential in making things run smoothly in any healthcare setting. Having each other's backs makes a pleasant and productive work environment.

8)       Sense of Humor. This will get you through many difficult times, both inside and outside work. There’s nothing like a good joke to share!

In conclusion, thank you for all you do for your patients, students, and families. There would be no Healthcare without YOU!

Happy Thanksgiving!!