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.

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 insures Polk County has access to exceptional health care.

This year you can recognize nurses for their community spirit, their healing talents and their selfless dedication to the art of medicine. This year, you can make your nurse feel good with a contribution to St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation in his or her honor.

Just like our nurses, all donations improve healthcare in our community. Please make your check out to St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation, 89 West Mills St, Suite B, Columbus, NC 28722. Or call 828-894-2693 if you prefer to make a donation over the phone. All donors and nurses will be acknowledged.

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

-Submitted by Jennifer Wilson