May is a time to reflect on all of our accomplishments over the past year. As we celebrate Nursing Recognition Week (May 6-12), we congratulate each other on both the accomplishments highlighted in the pages of this publication and those less-noted triumphs that occur behind the scenes. We should be equally proud of both.

As we celebrate at our Annual Nursing Recognition Dinner on May 1, I want to extend my thanks to all my nursing colleagues and commend you on your clinical excellence despite an especially challenging year. Aside from the normal pressures of practicing nursing in a highly specialized institution, the events of September 11 have marked us in a way that we could have never anticipated. I take pride in the fact that, as a team, we have maintained our strength for each other and our patients.

Take this time to praise your colleagues and yourself on a job well done. As we celebrate our accomplishments and triumphs, take time to reflect on the power of our profession and your personal goals. What professional improvements do you want to realize over the next year? What projects are you interested in pursuing? In what hospital-wide initiatives do you want to participate? How can you better deliver compassionate care? The answers to these, in addition to the priorities communicated by your nurse managers, should map your goals until next May.

I take great pride as we recognize the efforts of all nurses throughout BWH in the roles of staff nurses, nurses-in-charge, nurse managers, nurse researchers, the Nursing Professional Development staff, preceptors and administrators during Nursing Recognition Week and throughout the entire year.

Sincerely,

Nancy Kruger, DNSc, RN
Vice President, Patient Care Services
Chief Nursing Officer