Caring and professional staff recognized

Caring and professional staff recognized

CRDAMC celebrates contribution of nurses during their special week

By Brandy Gill

CRDAMC PAO

Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center is home to the most elite staff of caring and professional medical personnel in Central Texas, and an entire week has been designated to nationally recognize them. Well, not just them, but all nurses who care about their patients.

This week officially marks the 37th annual celebration of National Nurses Week, and okay, perhaps it isn't just about CRDAMC nurses, but it is an opportunity to stop and thank these remarkable men and women for the amazing quality of care they provide to patients every day.

Nurses are the backbone of the medical profession, Col. Risa Bator, CRDAMC deputy commander for nursing and patient services, said.

"National Nurses Week is always celebrated from May 6-12, regardless of how it falls on the calendar because it coincides with the birthday of Florence Nightingale who is recognized as the mother of modern nursing. But, it is really a celebration of the contributions of all nurses everywhere," she said.

Nurses do more behind the scenes that taking vital signs.

Sure, documenting a patient's temperature, weight, pharmaceutical allergies and blood pressure are a part of it, but it's also so much more. Whether we realize it or not, nurses are present at almost every stage of our lives providing care, comfort and companionship Bator said.

"While our provider colleagues are very good at deciding what care is needed, nurses are the ones who actually provide the care whether it's giving medication, holding the patient's hand when they cry or preparing the bodies of the deceased." Bator said.

Maj. Karl Stewart, the officer in charge of medical and surgical inpatient care at CRDAMC nursing, said he believes nurses deserve all the recognition they receive during National Nurse Week.

"Nurses are often seen as a doctor's aid, and that is part of it, but nursing has its own disciplines and philosophies. Nursing is a profession of caring and good listening. We are more hands-on with the patients," he said. "Nursing is an art."

So what makes a good nurse good'

As a profession, nursing draws a variety of people from all walks of life with an even wider range of interests, but regardless of preferences, there are some very distinctive qualities needed for this prestigious occupation, Bator said.

"Characteristics a good nurse must have are the ability to put others' needs before their own, a compassionate nature and the ability to problem-solve quickly," she said. "Common sense doesn't hurt either."

Stewart agreed with Bator, but he said there are also a few other skills that are helpful.

"Nurses need to be good listeners, and because they are the caretakers, they must also be prepared to act as advocates for their patients."

While nursing, especially Army nursing, is exciting there are aspects of the job that can be a double-edged sword.

"The best part of nursing is deploying and taking care of Soldiers, addressing their medical needs and helping them survive," Stewart said. "I like being able to focus on my job, be bedside and take care of patients, but when a young Soldier suffers or dies, and I can't help them, that's also the hardest part too."

Certainly the job of nursing is not easy, but these dedicated professionals still arrive every day prepared to provide the best care and service available.

According to Dr. (Col.) Steven Braverman, CRDAMC commander, nurses exemplify the very spirit of what it means to be a medical professional.

"We treasure the nurses at CRDAMC because they embody our motto of care and concern, and without them we could not provide the expert medical care we give our patients," he said.

Indeed, care and concern and the ability to know what a patient needs even without words is what makes great nurses great, but it's their heart and giving nature that makes them indispensible.

So take a moment during National Nurses Week and every time you see them, to thank a nurse for all they do. Darnall has been celebrating with special events and activities just for nurses throughout the week.

- 30 -

CUTLINE

Iv

Army nurses 2nd Lt. Rosa Cervantes (right) and 2nd Lt. Tracy Swan work together to give an IV to a intensive care unit patient at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center. Cervantes and Swan will join other CRDAMC active duty and reserve Army nurses in celebrating the 110th anniversary of the inception of the Army Nurse Corps Feb. 2. (U.S. Army photo by Patricia Deal, CRDAMC Public Affairs)