By Mary Charney, BSN, RN, BBA, Director of Nursing
Nurses are heroes. Nurses make a difference.
Not just in these challenging times during our battle with the coronavirus (COVID-19), but in our everyday lives and those of Ohio’s injured workers. The value that nurses contribute to health care and their role in society is why our nation is celebrating National Nurses Month in May during the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife 2020.
This well-deserved recognition honors the 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birthday on May 12. She founded our modern nursing profession.
BWC’s nurses lead at work, home
The value nurses bring to our customers goes way beyond the bedside. While most of BWC’s 61 nurses do not see patients face-to-face every day, they greatly impact Ohio’s injured workers, employers, and their coworkers’ lives. They work in a variety of areas, from medical policy, legal, and employee health to rehabilitation, claims management, compliance, and clinical advisement.
Many of our nurses serve as a medical resource to answer questions from Ohio’s injured workers, providers, managed care organizations, and their coworkers. Others are serving their local communities by working in a hospital emergency department or by making personal protective equipment. Many are assisting their families, friends, and communities with health issues and serving as their advocates.
We, along with the rest of the nation, devote this month and this year to highlighting the diverse ways registered nurses work to improve health care. In honor of National Nurses Month and the Year of the Nurse, thank our nursing professionals for what he or she does every day at work and within our communities. Nurses make a difference by excelling, leading, and innovating for us throughout our lives.
Largest, most trusted health-care profession
In an 18-year running streak, Americans rated nurses as the No. 1 most ethical and honest profession, according to the most recent Gallup poll. This is another reason to celebrate nurses during the Year of the Nurse and it also shines a light on the nursing profession.
The American Nursing Association states that now more than ever, we need to support and recognize nurses for their contributions in crises and for their ongoing roles in meeting the needs of patients and their communities. In these challenging times, we encourage you to promote nurses’ health and well-being and to honor them in every way you can.
Thank you, nurses!
Every nurse has a heart-felt story to tell of how he or she has helped someone during their varied careers. Every day, BWC’s nurses strive to serve as the best resource and provide exemplary service for Ohio’s injured workers and our employees.
BWC’s nurses use their knowledge, talents, dedication to service, and compassion to assist others. I have never reached out to a nurse asking for help with a project or with a workers’ comp claim issue and not received this quick response – “Of course, I will help.”
Here is one of my favorite quotes by Maya Angelou: “As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul and body of our patients, their families, and ourselves. They may not remember your name, but they will never forget the way you made them feel.”
Take time to thank a nurse today to let them know how much you appreciate their efforts to go above and beyond for all of us. We honor our nurses during National Nurses Month for their hard work and service all year long!
They are truly heroes without capes.
The American Nurses Association promotes May as Nurses Month to support and recognize nurses for their contributions in crises and for their ongoing roles in meeting the needs of patients and their communities.
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