May 2024
National Nurses Week: Staff share insights & recognition
The American Nurses Association (ANA) is celebrating National Nurses Week 2024 May 6 – May 12, and all month. This year’s theme, “Nurses Make the Difference,” honors the incredible nurses who embody the spirit of compassion and care in every health care setting. Let’s come together to celebrate Nurses Week 2024 and show our appreciation for nurses far and wide!
Every day, nurses change lives. As the ANA puts it, “21st Century nursing is the glue that holds a patient’s health care journey together. Across the entire patient experience, and wherever there is someone in need of care, nurses work tirelessly to identify and protect the needs of the individual.”
Cascadia is proud of our nurses on staff. When asked about this subject, staff emphasized the importance of nurses and their role within the organization.
“We have the utmost respect for our Cascadia nurses who choose this challenging yet rewarding work,” said Janis Cleveland, Cascadia Health Director of Nursing Services.
Nursing can be an evolving but often rewarding career, staff explained.
“I love that nursing is so flexible,” said Susan Carmen, a Registered Nurse at Cascadia’s Garlington Health Center. “As a nurse we can change our jobs without changing our career. We build unique connections with our clients. I feel like I learn as much as I teach.”
Carmen began working here in 2004. In the two decades since, she has felt supported by Cascadia, in service of her career goals.
“I have had many wonderful experiences at Cascadia,” Carmen said. “When I was unable to pass the physical at Faulkner place anymore, Cascadia stepped up and made a float position for me in the clinics and I was lucky enough to be able to get a position at Garlington when the nurse that was working there retired! I feel very supported and appreciated by the management at Cascadia!”
Ted Amann, MPH, RN, Lead Nurse at Barbara Roberts House, has been working in the field for 30+ years. He has been an RN since 1993, and with Cascadia since 2017.
Amann characterized this time as a journey rich with memories of various successes and challenges over the years.
“My two favorite things about nursing are the holistic approach to wellness and healthcare, and the broad range of roles available for nurses,” Amann said.
How to support nurses in your life:
- Spread the word about National Nurses Week: Share images and messaging materials available for free on the ANA website.
- Learn About Nursing: Read up on the role of nurses and what they do. Self-education can help us support our colleagues and friends through this often difficult work. For a starting point, check out this ANA Q&A.
- Listen to Podcasts: Series like the Future of Nursing Podcast explore the work of nurses, health equity, and the outlook for this field.
For media inquiries, contact communications@cascadiahealth.org.
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