ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. -- For the registered nurses at the Dear Occupational Health Clinic, taking the time to learn about their patients and their various health needs is a large part of why they chose a career in occupational medicine.
Many of them contrasted the pace and type of care they provide here to what is seen in an emergency room.
"You really feel like you get to know your patients better here," said Jane McDonald.
Dan Robertson agreed, calling the ER a more fast-pace environment.
Each nurse said having the time to get to know the employees who come to see them helps them provide better care.
This Friday begins National Nurses Week, a yearly celebration honoring the dedication of those in the nursing profession.
According to the American Nurses Association, National Nurses Week begins each year on May 6 and ends on May 12, which is Florence Nightingale's birthday.
The International Council of Nurses has celebrated International Nurse Day since 1965.
In February 1974, a week was designated by President Richard Nixon as National Nurse Week.
"We have the best team of nurses, as a whole team," said Robertson, praising his coworkers for the way they ensure the health and safety of the installation's workforce every day.
Maj. Aatif Hayat, the Dear Clinic's physician said occupational health utilizes nurses in different ways than many other specialities. Because of this, the nursing staff, which he calls the "front line" at the clinic, are vital.
"The clinic wouldn't function without the nurses and without having such an outstanding group of individuals," said Hayat.
Each of the six nurses began their careers in different areas of the health field, several in hospital emergency rooms.
McDonald came to nursing late in life, beginning college in her 40s.
"It's something I always wanted to do, but didn't think I could," she said.
She was an ER nurse for 12 years before getting into occupational medicine.
Robertson was originally a medic in the military. When he began college, his eyes were set on medical school, but realized nursing would enable him to start a family sooner and give him more time to be with his family.
Brittney Johnstone also spent time working in an ER and calls the Dear Clinic her dream job.
"I've learned a lot being here," she said, adding she defines her dream job as one where she never dreads going in to work.
For April Nix, nursing is a way to give back to her community and to the employees, who she knows can have health issues related to their time on the installation.
"I like the interaction I have with the employees - learning about their jobs and the hours they work," she said.
The work performed by the depot's employees is also important for Magin Gilchrist.
"These are people who work on the equipment our soldiers use and this is a way to support them," she said.
Gilchrist always knew she would be a nurse. Her mother and grandmother were both in the medical field and her mother still works in the ER.
For Sandra Theil the call to be a nurse centers on the human touch.
She has seen, throughout her nearly 35-year career with the Army, the way patients can be soothed by the touch of a caring nurse.
"I always try to give 110 percent in everything I do and have fun," she said. "I stay in nursing because it's fun. When it stops being fun, you should get out."
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