News Information

SCHNECK MEDICAL CENTER CELEBRATES NATIONAL NURSES WEEK
April 29, 2010

It is because of their care. It is because of their compassion. And it is because of their dedication to our patients that Schneck Medical Center honors its nurses during National Nurses Week, May 6-12.

“Nurses Week is about showing the appreciation we all have for the hard work our nurses do on a daily basis,” said Vicki Johnson, MSN, RN, NE-BC, CSSBB, Vice President of Nursing Services. “Each and every one of them puts forth so much effort to give the best care possible to all our patients. It takes a special person to be a nurse, and that’s exactly what they are—special. To the hospital, to our patients, and to each other.”

For the first time this year, Schneck nurses can get their cars washed by nursing leadership—free of charge! “We wanted to do something special for our nurses. To thank them for their dedication. We’ll pick their car up in the parking lot and return it clean and spotless!” said Johnson. The free car wash will be held behind the Schneck Cancer Center on Friday, May 7, 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.

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.

Schneck will honor its nurses during this week with a number of events including the Nursing Recognition Ceremony where the RN of the Year, LPN of the Year, and Nurse Leader of the Year will be named. A Certified Nurses Tea will also be held in celebration of all Schneck nurses who obtained their specialty nursing certification.

“Our nurses at Schneck are phenomenal people,” stated Karen Werskey, RN, BSN, CNOR, Schneck nurse educator. “Their work ethic, commitment to patients, and love for their profession amazes me every day. I am so proud of each and every one of them.”

Traditionally, National Nurses Week is devoted to highlighting the diverse ways in which registered nurses, the largest health care profession, 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 healthcare needs of American society.

“To be a nurse,” said Johnson, “is to dedicate your life to caring for the health of others. Nursing is a very rewarding profession. Our nurses are hard working and dedicated to their patients and we know without their compassion, Schneck Medical Center would not be as successful as we are. We honor and thank them.”

Schneck Medical Center is a Magnet Nursing designated facility, one of only 300 hospitals worldwide to receive such distinction. Magnet designation signifies that Schneck’s nurses have high levels of education, adhere to the highest professional standards and provide the best patient care.

For more information on nursing careers at Schneck Medical Center, please contact Human Resources at 812-522-0118 or visit www.schneckmed.org.