Dear Editor:

In honor of National Nurses Week (May 6-12), I want to recognize the tireless dedication of our nursing staff at LincolnHealth.

“Nurses Inspire, Innovate, Influence” is the theme the American Nurses Association has chosen for this year’s recognition week, and our nursing workforce embodies all of these attributes.

Our nurses inspire one another in the pursuit of additional training and education. This past year, our nurses have achieved advanced certifications, completed their Bachelor of Science in nursing and earned master’s degrees. Certified nursing assistants and surgical and emergency technicians have gained advanced skills and competencies to meet the essential healthcare needs of our community.

Using innovative strategies, our nurses seek to engage patients and families as active participants in their care. They are the primary point of contact between advances in healthcare technology and patients. Nurses are there to bridge gaps whether it is educating patients and families on how to use their personal electronic record or to help them participate in a home care visit using an iPad.

The influence of nurses is no longer limited to the traditional healthcare facility setting. We are engaged in our community, taking a proactive approach toward health and wellness. We are promoting wellness through collaborative efforts with other health and wellness organizations in our communities.

Please join me in celebrating and recognizing all of our nurses who inspire, innovate and influence. We appreciate all that you do.

Christine Anderson, RN, BSN, NE-BC

Chief Nursing Officer

LincolnHealth

Newcastle