Island nurses honored

The North Hawaii Community Hospital (NHCH) celebrated celebrating National Nurses’ Week May 6-12 by honoring its more than 140 nurses, whose hard work and commitment go above and beyond the call of duty.

“From the Emergency Room to long-term care, our exceptional nursing staff puts the needs of our patients first by providing the best care possible,” said Lorrie Mortensen, vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer at the Waimea medical center.

“On behalf of the entire hospital, I wish to thank our nurses for their time, talents and dedication,” said Mortensen.

NHCH kicked off National Nurses’ Week with a candle lighting ceremony on Sunday, May 6, and scheduled appreciation activities each day last week.

“Our nurses serve on the front lines of patient care and are always ready to address concerns, educate about the availability of treatment options and provide comfort to patients and family members. Nurses touch our patients’ lives each and every day and ensure that North Hawaii Community Hospital remains a vital part of our community,” said Mortensen.

Every year, National Nurses’ Week focuses attention on the diverse ways America’s 3.1 million registered nurses work to save lives and improve the health of millions of individuals. Annually, National Nurses’ Week begins on May 6, marked as Registered Nurses Recognition Day, and ends on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, founder of nursing as a modern profession.

The American Nurses Association, through its 54 constituent member associations, advances the profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting economic and general welfare, advocating for a positive and realistic view of nursing, and lobbying Congress and the regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public.