Dear Colleagues,
Generosity, compassion and excellence long have been defining characteristics of BWH nurses. In the weeks and months following the devastating earthquake in Haiti, these qualities were once again on display. As pictures of rubble and people in distress filled our television screens, BWH nurses guided by the Department of Nursing, were already making arrangements with Partners In Health, a non-profit agency that partners with BWH and others to address health care needs around the globe, to join teams of providers headed for Haiti. After arriving in Port-au-Prince, the nurses quickly went to work, helping set up medical stations and treating adults and children affected by the quake.
Just as impressive as the response of these nurses are the actions of those who stayed behind. The entire Department of Nursing was quick to support the nurses’ efforts: from the nursing directors who rearranged staffing schedules, to the clinical nurses who covered openings and made sure patient care at BWH went on undisrupted, to nursing colleagues who kept the nurses who went to Haiti in their thoughts and sent them messages of support and appreciation. In this issue of BWH Nurse we share some of the stories brought back by the nurses who worked in Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas. The stories make me feel both inspired and proud and reaffirm my commitment to the Department of Nursing’s global health programs. It is clear that extending our expertise to those in need around the globe benefits not just the recipients of care, but also enriches us as individuals and as a nursing community.
The expertise and leadership of BWH nurses also were evident during the recent visit by The Joint Commission and elicited words of praise from The Joint Commission surveyors. As they traced the care that patients receive across our campus, the surveyors were consistently struck by the quality of nursing care and the professionalism and expertise demonstrated by our staff. Just as evident was the role nurses play in assuring the safest possible environment for patients and employees. Over the coming weeks, we will hear more from The Joint Commission, including feedback about areas we can improve. While I look forward to working with you and our interdisciplinary colleagues to address these areas, for now I want to extend my appreciation for the outstanding care you provide our patients every day.
I hope you find the time to read all of the stories in this issue of BWH Nurse, and I encourage you to share with me any thoughts and comments you might have about them. As I read them through, I found myself not only filled with respect for what all of you do day in and day out, but also proud once again to count myself a member of the BWH nursing community!