Nurses: The Heartbeat of Healthcare
In honor of Nurse Appreciation Week, I wanted to dedicate time to reflect on the incredible impact nurses have on our healthcare system and our lives. With over 4.5 million registered nurses in the United States alone—more than any other healthcare profession—these professionals form the backbone of medical care. Yet despite their critical importance, nurses face significant challenges: more than 40% report symptoms of burnout, and nearly one in five are considering leaving the profession within the next five years. These statistics should alarm us all, especially considering that for 22 consecutive years, Gallup polls have ranked nursing as America's most trusted profession.
The paradox is striking: nurses are simultaneously our most trusted healthcare professionals and among the most overworked and underappreciated. My family has experienced firsthand the transformative power of compassionate nursing care. When my father was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2015, his journey through cancer treatment has been made not just bearable but sometimes even pleasant because of the extraordinary nurses at Huntsman Cancer Institute. These professionals didn't just administer medications; they created connections. They remembered his preference for window seats during infusions, engaged with his stories, and became genuine friends along his healthcare journey. This personal touch reminds us that healing comes not just from medical treatments but from the human connection that accompanies them.
Through my family's various healthcare experiences, I've observed four powerful lessons that nurses exemplify every day. First, nurses teach us to be truly present. In a world that glorifies multitasking, nurses demonstrate the power of focused attention, knowing when a situation calls for their complete presence. During a challenging moment in my father's T-cell transplant, one nurse took the time to fully listen and be present, despite having numerous other patients and responsibilities. Second, nurses lead with empathy. When my mother needed an emergency PICC line after being poisoned, the nurse who performed the procedure demonstrated such profound empathy that we came to refer to him as "our angel." He understood our fear and addressed it with reassurance and compassion.
Third, nurses model lifelong learning. Most nurses are required to continue their education yearly to maintain licensure, but beyond requirements, they demonstrate genuine curiosity and openness to new knowledge. During hospital stays, I've met countless nurses pursuing additional degrees or certifications while working full-time. They learn from each other, from their patients, and from every experience. Finally, nurses show us the power of teamwork. Healthcare isn't a solo endeavor, and nurses collaborate constantly. I once witnessed this firsthand when a nurse fainted after drawing my blood, and another immediately stepped in to complete the task—no blame, no criticism, just seamless support.
As we reflect on Nurse Appreciation Week, let's commit to showing gratitude beyond just seven days a year. Say thank you with sincerity. Consider bringing treats or meals to your local nursing team. Nominate exceptional nurses for recognition programs like the Daisy Award. Send specific messages about how a nurse made a difference in your care. Perhaps most importantly, listen to nurses—both when they're providing medical guidance and when they share their experiences and challenges. Florence Nightingale once said, "Let us never consider ourselves finished nurses. We must be learning all of our lives." In honoring nurses, perhaps we too can embrace this philosophy of continuous growth, compassion, and service to others.