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NURSEWEEK celebrated our first Midwest/Great Lakes
Nursing Excellence Awards with a ceremony Aug. 23 just
outside Chicago, during which we honored 48 nurses who
have excelled in the profession. It was a gala evening
with more than 300 people in attendance, including families,
colleagues and friends of the nominees. As each finalist
and winner came on stage, we heard the stories and narratives
of what they had accomplished in their particular roles.
One thing was crystal clear: Their accomplishments
were the result of their passion for nursing.
Finalist after finalist had a story that demonstrated
extraordinary achievements that made a consistent difference
to patients, their families and their fellow nurses.
They expressed disbelief that they would be singled
out for such an honor, which only reminds us that nurses
almost always are the unsung heroes of the health care
system.
Nominations came from colleagues, bosses, teachers
and students, from husbands, wives, parents and patients.
More than 400 of these nominations described nurses
who deserved to win an award. Ultimately, through a
judging process, we selected 40 finalists and eight
winners in the categories they represented. In the final
analysis, there were wonderful tributes to all 400 nominees.
It made me so proud to read them and to be reminded
that as nurses quietly go about their business of healing,
lots of people recognize how significant their work
is.
You will read their stories and probably know one of
them. They are staff nurses, managers and executives.
They are teachers, mentors and volunteers. They are
specialists in pain management, neonates and school
health. They are the face of nursing in our country.
They serve as a reminder that each and every nurse can
make a significant contribution, and at some point we
need to honor their contributions and say thank you.
One other reminder for all of us is just how diverse
the opportunities in nursing are. At NURSEWEEK, we continually
try to showcase the many new ways nursing practice is
expanding. The endless list of practice opportunities
is mind-boggling and presents a profession in which
there is something for everyone's special interest,
both now and as one progresses further in the field.
I find that the growing public recognition of nursing
and the rise of our own pride in the profession is creating
good times for us all. Sure, there are problems, but
when you stop and look at the good being done by nurses,
you cannot help but be proud to be a nurse.
Next year, I expect we will have more nurses nominated
for the Nursing Excellence Awards with extraordinary
stories. Look around you and commit to being sure they
are among the winners. Recognition goes a long way.
Discuss this and other topics with your colleagues
at www.nurseweek.com/rnvillage.
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