May 4, 2022
Lee Health is the largest employer in Lee County, and nurses make up the largest segment of our workforce. As we prepare to celebrate our nurses during Nurses Week (May 6-12), I want to share my appreciation and respect for the more than 3,600 women and men who dedicate their lives and careers to providing exceptional care to our families, friends and neighbors throughout Southwest Florida.
This year, as part of our Nurses Week celebration, we asked teams throughout Lee Health to share stories and examples of the ways our nurses care. We heard stories about how our nurses:
- Sat with a patient and held their hand as they passed away, even though they were not their patient.
- Held family members as they said goodbye to loved ones who were passing away, easing their pain.
- Reassured frightened patients and supported them through their treatment process.
- Went out of their way, after-hours, to get meals for patients to ensure they were well-fed and comfortable.
- Organized transportation for patients’ families so they could be by their loved one’s side in the hospital.
- Surprised patients with little treats to brighten their day, like “Get Well” cards and stuffed animals.
There are so many more examples of acts of kindness, compassion and service that happen every day and night in our hospitals, physician practices and our community, too – thanks to our exceptional nurses.
This month, in addition to Nurses Week, we also will be celebrating National Hospital Week (May 8-14), which recognizes the work of all the people who ensure the smooth running of our hospitals.
Our hospital teams include physicians, nurses, therapists, food service workers, housekeeping and plant operations, transporters, volunteers and administrators (among others). These folks dedicate their time and talents to ensuring the availability of the leading-edge, high-quality, compassionate, exceptional care our community needs and deserves.
On behalf of all of us at Lee Health, I am proud to extend our appreciation to all of our nurses and everyone on our hospital teams. We are grateful for the work they do every day and night to care for and serve others.