National Nurses Week – A Chief Nursing Officer Says “Thank You!”
By Teresa Land, MBA, BSN, RN
Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer
Methodist Charlton Medical Center
When I considered a second career after my youngest child entered kindergarten, little did I imagine that I was destined to become the chief nursing officer for a well-respected hospital like Methodist Charlton Medical Center. But, that’s exactly what happened.
With some encouragement from my husband, I embarked on my nursing career and graduated from nursing school. I started in the operating room as a cardiac surgery nurse. I loved it. Then I transitioned into pediatric cardiology nursing. I loved that. A lifelong learner, I entered the ranks of management and nursing leadership, and then earned my master’s degree in business administration. I don’t know where time has gone, but it’s been 18 years since I became a manager, and guess what — I still love it.
As I reflect back on my nursing career, I am so grateful to the many people who encouraged me and taught me along the way. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
2,804 amazing nurses
The theme for this year’s National Nurses Week, May 6–12, is “4 Million Reasons to Celebrate.” For Methodist Health System, we are thrilled to have 2,804 reasons to celebrate. To all of our nurses, you are our unsung heroes. You deserve recognition and appreciation not just this week — but every week, all year long. You provide care and compassion to help make each and every patient’s experience the very best possible. You routinely go above and beyond. You are selfless. Your first priority is often taking care of your patients, usually total strangers. Your needs and your well-being are often at the bottom of the list. You don’t often gloat or revel in awards. Instead, you just want to give it your best and know that you made a difference.
Next year is the 200th anniversary since Florence Nightingale’s birthday, May 12, 1820, the founder of modern-day nursing. It’s gratifying to know that our nurses embody her spirit of caring even all these years later.
Saying thank you
We often realize that nurses are great — but we don’t often say it. That’s why I encourage you to pause and join me in sending a heartfelt “thank you” to our nurses for their passionate dedication. At Methodist Charlton, we are hosting our annual nurse excellence recognition program to recognize the clinical nurse of the year; educator of the year; rookie of the year; nursing services caregiver of the year; nursing partnership awards; nursing leader of the year; and Sharon Harvey Award, named for the late former chief nursing officer at Methodist Charlton and given to someone who embodies Sharon’s spirit and love for the hospital.
What can you do? Here are a few suggestions:
- Make a visit. One of the greatest ways to show appreciation is to go back to where you were treated and tell the clinical staff what a difference they made in your life.
- Send a picture to the team.
- Add a thank-you post to Methodist’s Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/JobsatMethodistHealthSystem/
- Nominate a nurse for a DAISY Award for extraordinary nursing.
I’m proud to be a nurse and to work at Methodist Charlton
By now you can probably tell that my pride stems from my work as a nurse and as a leader. I feel so fortunate to have found Methodist Charlton and to work with our wonderful team of nurses. What’s the most rewarding thing for me about being a nurse? It’s knowing that I’ve made a difference for our patients and their families in a way that’s profound.
If you’re looking for an organization that values your nursing commitment and dedication, look to Methodist Health System. Visit Jobs.MethodistHealthSystem.org.
© Methodist Health System
EOE/MF/D/V
