Nurses, hospitals celebrated across nation May 6-12

A message from AU Medical Center CEO Lee Ann Liska

Dear Colleagues:

Every year, National Nurses Week begins on May 6 and ends on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, who had a significant influence on modern nursing.

May is a busy month for health care recognitions. National Hospital Week often overlaps National Nurses Week. This year, remarkably, both special weeks are commemorated May 6 through 12 — exactly the same days. That makes this week busier than ever at AU Health, with many activities and events planned specifically for nurses, and others for all hospital staff.

National Nurses Week activities scheduled this week will feature our nurses and their shared commitment to innovate, inspire and influence. Nurses inspire our patients and their colleagues with a commitment to quality, patient-centered care. They innovate to help us improve our care, and they also influence their peers and our patients and families with the knowledge, compassion and grace they demonstrate.

In recognition of National Nurses Week, we thank our nurses for your commitment and dedication to the professional practice of nursing.

For more information about Nurses Week activities, please call Carol Brody in Nursing Administration at 721-9164.

National Hospital Week celebrates hospitals, health systems, and the women and men who support the health and wellbeing of our communities through dedication and care from the heart. Every day, our hospital team members work toward our shared mission of providing the highest quality care to each patient who comes through our doors. You help us create an environment of warmth and compassion that promotes healing and makes a significant difference in the lives of our patients and families.

National Hospital Week is a great reminder of why we do what we do. Caring is our Calling! The work you do matters. I see it. Your colleagues see it. Our patients and families see it, and it is an honor to be a part of the Caring is our Calling team!

In recognition of National Hospital Week, we have these activities planned beginning today:

• Today: Departmental Photos w/Fun Props throughout the day
• Tuesday: Giveaways (winners will be notified by email)
• Wednesday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. AU Health Gift (Gifts must be picked up by designated department representative)
• Thursday: Departmental Photos w/Fun Props throughout the day
• Friday: Sausage biscuit deliveries from 6-7 a.m. (third shift employees only)
• Friday: Hot Dog Cookout. Terrace green space, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 5:30-7:30 p.m.

For more information about Hospital Week activities, please call Sandy Huntington in Human Resources at 721-1016.

As a leader in academic health care, we recognize and salute all of our team members as we celebrate this very special week for nurses and hospital teams. No matter what role you play at AU Health, we appreciate you, and we could not do what we do without you!

Happy Hospital Week & Happy Nurses Week!