This past week, May 6 - 12, we celebrated National Nurses Week. These dates were permanently designated by the American Nurses Association as National Nurses Week in 1994, and in 1996, National RN Recognition Day was initiated to honor the nation's registered nurses for their commitment every day of the year.
Looking back on the festivities of this past week, I'd like to highlight some of the activities at CMC. The commitment of Community's Nurses, especially with the momentous year we have had, were recognized in the Fresno Bee with a full page ad on Sunday, May 6, National Nurses Day. Monday, May 7, several units highlighted their contribution to quality care in our organization. Although the Ante partum High Risk Unit from CRMC was voted the most innovative, all who participated demonstrated nursing's commitment to quality care. Tuesday's "All American Nurse" Talent Show was great fun. We have some wonderfully talented singers in our nursing staff--Gwen White, Maternal Child, CRMC; Elizabeth Thacker, Med Surg, CCMC; and Norma (& husband Alfred) Montez, Maternal Child CRMC graced us with their beautiful voices. Combined with the humorous skits of Gloria Fitzgerald and Nancy Patrick, who kept us laughing all evening, the grand finale of "Nurse Gwen and the Inpatients" set the bar very high for those planning an act for next year. I laughed so hard I was crying!
I always enjoy our nod to tradition day of wearing our "old" white uniforms and caps. My cap has definitely turned yellow with age, but I appreciated the opportunity to tour CCMC with Chris Caliwag and CRMC with Karen Buckley on Wednesay May 9. I'll be emailing the pictures we took to those of you captured on film.
Along with several facility "food" celebrations, the Chili Cook-off and Nurse Olympics (CRMC ED took 1st Place, with Home IV, Home Health Services and CRMC CPCU not far behind), I hope CMC's nurses know they are appreciated. I'd like to thank the committee who worked so hard to put together the week's activities. Gloria Fitzgerald, Chair; Sue Blomquist; Colette Baxter; Norlina Dela Vega; Claudia ***; Alice Evans; Karen Fischer; Annette Halencak; Nadine Hensley; Sandra Hopkins; Tracy Martinez; Janet McQuillan; Nancy Patrick; Carol Vandermeer; and Joy Clark for her admin support. Please take a few minutes to thank these creative, fun-loving nurses for their hard work!
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