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It is an interesting fact of nurses' lives that being
a nurse infers a 24/7 responsibility. The minute someone
knows you are a nurse, he or she has a story to relate
or a set of symptoms for your opinion. Immediately,
you become an adviser, listener and nurse to someone
you just met. It is always amazing to me that, by nature
of being a nurse, others will share intimate information
with you. So what is your obligation to act on that
information?
Likewise, when you happen to be a nurse in the presence
of a medical emergency, what is your obligation to act?
Far more than being a good Samaritan, most nurses at
some time in their lives will encounter an emergency
situation in which they are the most competent clinical
professional. I think it is both part of the nature
and the training of nurses that they feel compelled
to step up to emergencies and to help those who need
advice.
The role of being a nurse is a day-to-day challenge
which, by virtue of constantly having to find new solutions
to issues, ultimately enriches the field. Each of you
has undoubtedly seen acts of great courage and ingenuity
from your colleagues.
Now, you have an opportunity to recognize a nurse who
represents the best of us. NURSEWEEK is accepting nominations
for its Nursing Excellence Awards in our region. Last
year, we had more than 450 nominations from the Midwest
and Great Lakes region, and we honored 40 finalists
and eight winners in the categories of Advancing the
Profession, Clinical Care, Community Service, Innovation/Creativity,
Leadership, Mentoring, Patient Advocacy and Teaching.
The nomination form is on Page 16 as well as on our
Web site.
Let me give you a few practical ideas that will best
showcase your nominations: First, the biggest reason
that nominations go forward in the process is that they
are complete, well-written and the information is consistent
with the category. Second, successful nominations present
a compelling case of why the nurse demonstrates excellence
above others. Third, nominations must arrive by the
deadline. Judges are unable to consider late entries.
So, take some of your valuable time to nominate a nurse
who is leading our profession to excellence in a variety
of settings. Both the finalists and winners will attest
that the Nursing Excellence Awards ceremony is a wonderful
and exciting event that celebrates the best of our profession.
Be sure your nominee will be there in August. The deadline
for nominations is April 30. Don't procrastinate and
miss this great opportunity.
Discuss this and other topics with your colleagues
at www.nurseweek.com/rnvillage
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