The nursing staff at St. Luke’s Hospital is to be commended for providing outstanding care, 24/7, to our community. One week of the year, nationally celebrated as National Nurses Week, is hardly enough to recognize the compassion and life-saving skills our nurses display every day in caring for the patients at St. Luke’s.

In recognition of the impact ethical nursing practice has on patient outcomes and the quality of care, 2015 is designated as the “Year of Ethics.”  Keeping with this focus, the theme for National Nurses Week (May 6-12) is “Ethical Practice. Quality Care.”

Annually, National Nurses’ Week begins on May 6, marked as RN Recognition Day, and ends on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, founder of nursing as a modern profession.

Traditionally, National Nurses’ Week is devoted to highlighting the diverse ways in which registered nurses are working to improve health care. From bedside nursing in hospitals and long-term care facilities to the halls of research institutions, state legislatures and Congress, the depth and breadth of the nursing profession is meeting the expanding health care needs of American society.

Today’s nurses must have the strength to care for patients during times of disaster and crisis. They must have the commitment to remain involved in continuing education throughout their careers. And they must have the compassion it takes to provide hands-on patient care at the bedside – as they have done throughout the centuries.

St. Luke’s Hospital is proud to be associated with nearly 200 nursing professionals whose compassion and commitment to our patients ensures Polk County has access to exceptional health care.

Please join St. Luke’s Hospital in recognizing nurses for their community spirit, their healing talents and their selfless dedication to the art of medicine.

St. Luke’s Hospital is privileged to have an outstanding group of Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses and Certified Nurse Assistants who provide exceptional care, close to home.

– Submitted by Jennifer Wilson