MINT HILL, NC – Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center is excited to celebrate National Nurses Week from Saturday, May 6, through Friday, May 12. “This year’s theme is ‘You Make a Difference,’” says Mint Hill Medical Center Chief Nursing Officer Beth Mosher. “We have a lot of fun activities planned this year focused on self-care, recognition, professional development, and community engagement.”
According to prnfunding.com, modern nursing began around 1845 when Florence Nightingale led several women in treating sick and injured Crimean War soldiers. At first, the female-only profession involved an observation-based education; over the years, nurses of all races and backgrounds came to complete formal, comprehensive training before entering the workforce. In the 1960s, the emergence of specialized nursing enabled hospitals to deliver better and more efficient care to their patients.
Mint Hill Medical Center employs over 150 highly-trained, state-licensed nurses across several specialties, including both inpatient and outpatient departments. These nurses work various shifts, including weekends and holidays, to provide round-the-clock care for the Mint Hill community.
Once-rampant stereotypes saw nurses as simply doctor’s assistants, but today’s nurses show more than ever that couldn’t be further from the truth. “Nurses are valued members of the healthcare team and have many responsibilities,” explains Mosher. “A few of these responsibilities include performing physical assessments, monitoring for clinical deterioration, administering medications ordered by a provider, providing education and emotional support, and consulting and collaborating with other members of the healthcare team.”
“Many of our nurses are certified in their nursing specialty, which requires specialized knowledge, skills, and experience and demonstrates a higher level of clinical competence,” continues Mosher. “Our nursing team at Mint Hill Medical Center believes that it is a privilege to advocate and care for our patients. This includes emotional as well as physical support. Our nurses use their critical thinking, clinical and technical skills, and compassion to care for our patients and their family members.”
If you’re wondering how you can best show your appreciation for the nurses in your life, a simple “thank you” goes a long way. “Many of our nurses chose this profession because they wanted to make a difference in someone’s life,” explains Mosher. “Receiving a ‘thank you’ from patients and family members means a lot and is validation that the excellent care our nurses provide is recognized, appreciated, and has made a difference.” Mosher also encourages patients, family members, clinicians and team members to recognize a nurse who provides exceptional, compassionate care by nominating them for a Daisy Award. For more information, visit https://www.daisyfoundation.org/.
“As we begin to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is especially important that we take the time to thank our healthcare professionals, especially our nurses, for a job well done during these extraordinary times,” concludes Mosher. “I am so proud of our Nursing team and am honored to be a member of this trusted and respected profession.”
