National Nurses Week occurs in May every year to coincide with Florence Nightingale’s birthday (May 12th) and done to honor the over 3 million working nurses in the U.S. As the first and last person a patient sees during a hospital visit, a nurse is paramount to patient care. 

Nurses and other medical professionals have been on the frontlines of the pandemic and have sacrificed so much for their communities. Today’s Nurse asked its members to honor a fellow nurse they admire, and the response was immense.  

Here are some stories and mentions of those nurses:

1. We definitely have the best staff in the world at Brian Kirkwood, DDS. They are incredible people and great teammates. Some have been here for 32 years and the average is about 14 years. Recently, we had a celebration and awarded every team member with a trophy. It was overdue and well-deserved.

2.  Nurse Melanie Kingsley acknowledges the hard work of her coworker, Brooke. Brooke is the most amazing nurse! She is very caring, puts our patients’ needs first, and is a true advocate for them. Time and time again, our patients find a special connection with her as she is not only welcoming and understanding, but also honest. She always has an ear to lend and a talent for never making her patients feel rushed or underappreciated. Brooke always gives 100% and has a passion for her work. She often brings laughter to the group while keeping everyone level-headed and on task. Brooke is a wonderful person and colleague. I feel very blessed to work with such a talented person, so very grateful!

3. Lisa Zandifar, RN, has been a registered nurse for the past 15 years. Not only is she an amazing nurse, but she is also a phenomenal mother and wife to Hootan Zandifar. Lisa Zandifar is truly a hero for her patients and us. Her dedication to her profession is unparalleled to others. 

4. Penny Bowman and Leslie Arthur are beloved by patients and staff alike. They’re the most thoughtful, hardworking, dedicated, and indispensable nurses, and we’re so grateful to have them on our care team at Dr. J. J. Wendel Plastic Surgery!

5. Claire Cottingham will be graduating from Creighton University’s Nursing Program. She will be joining her grandmother and two of her great-grandmothers in this wonderful profession. She has taken her first position working in the ER in Austin, TX. She inspires so many for having chosen such a noble calling.

Nurses’ week is an annual celebration of nurses across the world for the incredible work they do. This week allows people the opportunity to acknowledge the nurses in their lives. 

We received so many responses that we didn’t want to miss the opportunity to honor them all. Click the link below to view all of our nursing submissions!

Honoring Our Nurses For National Nurses Week