In honor of National Nurses’ Month Phoenix Children’s Interim Chief Nursing Officer Connie McGinness shares her gratitude for our nurses, especially coming off a challenging 2020:
Countless things changed over the past year including everything from the level of PPE we wear while working with our patients to the way our personal lives adapted to the circumstances. Something that remained constant and never wavered was the safe, quality care Phoenix Children’s nurses provided to the patients who depend on us.
We asked a lot of our nurses this year and each of them went above and beyond. For that, we are truly grateful. Our nurses adapted to often-changing guidelines amid a global pandemic and they even provided extra emotional support to patients who couldn’t have as many visitors during their hospital stay. This is in addition to the extra responsibilities many of them were also juggling at home during this time, and the fact that COVID-19 impacted many of their own families and friends. Through the struggles and stress of a national pandemic, our nurses have, once again, shown their strength and compassion, particularly at the frontline.
Historically, we’ve celebrated Nurses Week in the days leading up to May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale who is credited with changing nursing from an untrained job to the skilled, science-based profession we know it as today. This year, we are moving to a month-long celebration in recognition and celebration of the impact nurses make year-round.
Alongside Aspen University, the official sponsor of Nurses Month at Phoenix Children’s, we have celebrations planned throughout the month. We’ll be having spirit days, giveaways and more to show how much we value the role of our nurses at Phoenix Children’s.
I have always been proud of the nursing profession, and this year has made me incredibly grateful for the dedication our nurses have demonstrated in the care of others. My hope for the coming year is that every nurse – no matter her or his role – feels that same pride and takes time to reflect on the difference they make in the lives of our patient families, their colleagues and our community.
In gratitude,
Connie McGinness, MHA, BSN, RN, NEA-BC