A Day of Celebration and Reflection: Honoring Our Nurses

This morning, as with every morning, began with a heartfelt routine that I cherish deeply—greeting each of our caregivers. There’s something truly special about starting the day by acknowledging the hard work and dedication of our team. It sets a tone of gratitude and respect that resonates throughout the hospital.

Today was not just any day; it was a celebration of our annual Nurses Week, under the theme "NURSES MAKE A DIFFERENCE." Our event hall was buzzing with excitement, filled to the brim with nurses and leaders from our hospital, Dr.Soliman Fakeeh Hospital Jeddah . The energy was infectious, and the sense of teamwork was palpable—a true reflection of our hospital’s tradition of excellence.

Speech Highlights

In my speech, I was thrilled to welcome everyone and extend my gratitude for their immense contributions. I emphasized how nurses are not just caregivers; they are pioneering change agents driving innovation and transformation in healthcare. We explored the significant roles nurses play from the bedside to boardroom, their impact on policy development, and their critical position in shaping the future of healthcare. Download the presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/14CUPu9sgbu11kgnUx0lZDaIbcyiEXjIv/view?usp=sharing

Our nurses’ unique perspective as frontline workers allows them to identify the challenges and opportunities within our healthcare system, inspiring collaboration and positive outcomes. Today, I shared examples of nurse-led initiatives that have revolutionized patient care and improved our operational efficiency. These projects range from implementing evidence-based practices to enhancing patient-centered care models, showcasing our nurses' commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.

Celebrations Unfold

After the formalities of the speeches, the real celebration began. The room was alive with applause as we moved to recognize the outstanding contributions of individual nurses and teams with our CNO, Khadra Mohamed Omar . Awards were joyously presented for the Best Nurse of 2024, Best Intern Nurse, and the most collaborative departments. Even our diligent housekeeping team received recognition for their integral support.

A highlight of the event was the announcement of Khritzina Rejeen Lim as the Nurse of the Year 2024. As I handed her the trophy, the applause was overwhelming. At this moment, Walid, one of our talented nurses, took the stage to sing a heartfelt song in her honor. His powerful voice filled the room, adding an emotional depth that brought many, including Khritzina, to tears. It was a touching tribute that underscored the close-knit and supportive nature of our nursing community.

Magnet Recognition Initiative

Last year, our nurses spearheaded a significant initiative that earned our hospital the prestigious Magnet recognition, a testament to their excellence in nursing. I was proud to announce that each nurse involved would receive an appreciation letter signed by both the CEO and CNO, acknowledging their outstanding contributions to this project. This announcement was met with a surge of applause, a moment of collective pride for our great nurses. Download the letter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19dU7ImDj45DZaUQmuxfhfRa-KA8sb5ig/view?usp=sharing

Reflection and Inspiration

As the event came to a close, and the nurses headed back to their essential roles, the sense of inspiration lingered. I returned to my office for back-to-back meetings, carrying with me the energy and spirit of the day. Observing such incredible teamwork and leadership, I found myself inspired and pondering why we physicians don't often celebrate in similar ways.

This Nurses Week, we not only celebrated our nurses but were reminded of the critical impact they have every day. To all our nurses, thank you for your dedication, your passion, and your leadership. You truly make a difference!!