Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system, yet, many times we wonder if anyone notices. Well last week, Jimmy Kimmel, shared a personal story with millions of viewers
about an attentive nurse who noticed his newborn baby boy had a problem. As she performed the newborn assessment, she noted that the baby had a heart murmur and was a ‘little purple’. The nurse immediately took the baby out of the room to the nursery and summoned the team so that the baby could be assessed and treated. Hours later, he was transferred to a Children’s Hospital where emergency surgery was done. Today, the baby is home and doing well. According to his Dad, he will need to be watched closely and will need additional surgeries to repair the heart defect, but… because of one nurse who noted a problem and the subsequent team of nurses who cared for him, he is alive.
What Jimmy Kimmel shared, happens every day in every corner of the healthcare system. Jimmy Kimmel used his platform to show the extraordinary work being done by nurses and the medical team who care for people of all means. It meant a lot to hear his story, told by him, and see the gratitude he had for the nurses and medical team who cared for his son. It was a moving testament to the important work being done by all members of the healthcare team. In case you missed it, click here.
As I watched the monologue, I felt proud to be one of the over 3 million nurses who quietly do their jobs every day in hospitals, managed care organizations, home care agencies, rehabilitation centers and other areas where care is provided for all who transition throughout the healthcare system.
Most times our jobs are routine, but every one once in a while, we have to jump into action. Nurses can do this because of their expertise, their professionalism and for the care that we deliver to our patients and their families without fan-fare because it is what WE do.
The theme for 2017 National Nurses Week is Nursing: the Balance of the Mind, Body and Spirit. Make sure you take time to celebrate the important work you do every day and…..thank you for what you do! It is appreciated!
Anne Llewellyn, RN-BC, MS, BHSA, CCM, CRRN
HEALTHCARE PRACTITIONER, LEADER AND EDUCATOR
Anne is a registered nurse with close to 40 years of experience in the healthcare industry. She holds a Master’s Degree in Training and Development from St. Francis University and a Bachelor in Health Services from Barry University. Anne is a board certified case manager through the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the Commission for Case Manager Certification. She is also a certified registered rehabilitation nurse through the American Rehabilitation Nursing Association. She is past President of the Case Management Society of America and also Governor for District 27 of Quota International. Anne is a frequent speaker both nationally and internationally on issues related to the practice. Anne is a co-author of Case Management Review and Resource Manual: published by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and now in its 3rd edition.
Professional Services Network, Inc. (PSN) works with clients nationwide in the search and recruitment of experienced healthcare professionals in managed care and clinical roles for temporary assignments and direct hire opportunities. Additionally, PSN’s consultants work with organizations and providers seeking accreditation or re-accreditation with URAC or NCQA. For additional information regarding our services contact us at 301-460-4089 or email us at [email protected].
