Celebrating our Nurses of the Year!

In the course of our daily events it is all too common for us to get wrapped up with all of life's problems.  Whether its the economy, the H1N1 influenza, something we read in the news, or just the latest gossip in the rumor mill, the problems of our day can quickly get a hold of our focus and divert our attention from all that is going well in our lives.   Our Radiology Director, Kim Sama, reminded us of this in a reflection yesterday and I thought it was fitting to share here as well.   As we go throughout our day, sometimes we overlook the fact of how many things are going right!  

With that in mind, I wanted to share the celebration I got to attend yesterday honoring our nurses of the year within the system.  Across the system, we recognized nearly 100 nurses that represent the "Nurse of the Year" in their respective units.  Each of these nurses are shining representatives of all that is going right in our hospitals.  While all of our nurses go above an beyond each day to improve the lives of our patients, it is nice to be able to take time out of our busy days to recognize those that are nominated by their peers as individuals that stand out as role models in the nursing profession.   

This year, Jewish Hospital had 36 nurses honored, including Cara Preston of our 6-South Transplant Unit.   Cara was selected as Jewish Hospital's overall Nurse of the Year based upon her knowledge and expertise as a nurse, her mentoring abilities to new nurses in the hospital, and her unwavering compassion in caring for some of our sickest patients in the hospital. 

The event was capped off with a presentation by our own LaVay Lauter who taught us what it means to practice extreme healing by providing "Radical Loving Care."  I have a feeling that all of our honorees in the room are already demonstrating these teachings in their everyday lives, but it was a fitting reminder of how to do things right and make a difference in the lives of others.    

In this week honoring our nurses, we salute you for a job well done, your loyalty and dedication, and your endless caring and compassion for those that need you the most - Thank YOU!   

Celebrating our Nurses of the Year!