Celebrating Nurses Week

When I think of nurses – at Penn Medicine and around the world – one word immediately comes to mind: empathy.

Nurses display an enormous amount of empathy through their selfless, dedicated and compassionate care each day.

Typically, we think of nurses as those on the front line. Often, they are the most visible point of care in their communities, providing sound counsel and comfort to their patients and patients’ families. They do so much more behind the scenes: serving as a liaison between medical teams, conducting lifesaving research, and educating others on topics such as nutrition, disease management, and medical care. Some of the best practices adopted by Penn Medicine hospitals are designed and implemented by the nursing staff. They are truly involved in so many aspects of the patient experience, from beginning to end.

Nurses do so much and deserve all our appreciation and gratitude.

When I talk to patients from across our hospitals and care facilities, I hear about how nurses go above and beyond to make a difficult time a little more bearable. Our nurses offer real human connection in some of the most meaningful moments of our lives - perhaps it is through a pleasant conversation, a thoughtful gesture, or even something as simple as a smile or a pat on the shoulder. Those actions have incredible meaning and are part of what makes our Penn Medicine team so special.

In these past few months, we have seen time and time again how deeply our nurses care. Their expertise, intuition, and compassion are a reliable constant in a truly uncertain and unprecedented time. From bringing an iPad for a patient to have a final goodbye to family, to getting a puzzle-loving patient one to occupy his time in the hospital, these seemingly small actions emphasize the compassionate care our nurses provide every day. The long hours our nurses have worked and sacrifices they made to care for others while often leaving their families behind must not go unnoticed – they have impacted thousands across our region, and will no doubt be remembered by countless families for the humanity they bring to their job. A few of these incredible stories are being shared on Penn Medicine’s social media channels this week – I can’t wait to hear more of them. You can follow along at Penn Medicine.

Nurses are, quite simply, heroes.

In the months ahead, our nurses will continue working diligently to provide exemplary care. Some will be at patient bedsides. Through advancements in virtual care, some will be available to answer a quick question or to provide guidance and encouragement. Still other nurses will be providing medications and working closely with medical professionals to coordinate and execute plans for recovery and wellbeing. And when it becomes possible, some of our nurses will be back in our communities, educating others on the implications of the social determinants of health and importance of self-care.

I thank our nurses for their efforts and look forward to hosting our own celebrations in coordination with Penn Nursing. I hope you’ll join me in expressing appreciation for the nurses in your life – I know I will.