MANCHESTER (May 8, 2023) – National Nurses Week begins each year on May 6th and ends on May 12th, Florence Nightingale’s birthday. Nurses Day and Week promote nursing professionals for their dedication and commitment to advancing the health care field, while also raising awareness of the challenges they face. It is an opportunity to thank nurses for providing high-quality care to those in need every day of the year.
As we age, many of us may require additional care and assistance with daily tasks. For those who are unable to fully care for themselves, nursing homes provide a crucial service by offering a safe and supportive environment. However, the quality of care in a nursing home is heavily dependent on the staff, particularly the nurses who work there.
Nurses play a critical role in nursing homes by providing medical and personal care to residents. They are responsible for monitoring and administering medication, managing chronic conditions, providing wound care, and responding to medical emergencies. In addition to their medical responsibilities, nurses also provide emotional support to residents, helping to alleviate feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety.
iCare Health Network employs over 400 Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses in our 12 skilled nursing centers and corporate office. These nurses care for patients with medical complications ranging from recovery from orthopedic surgery to congestive heart failure to substance use disorder to behavioral health and memory care and much more. They may have a patient in their care for several days or decades of their career depending on the unit, always becoming a part of their day to day life.
Nurses in nursing homes are often the primary point of contact for residents and their families. They develop close relationships with residents and their loved ones, providing updates on their health and well-being. Nurses also work closely with other staff members, such as nursing assistants and physical therapists, to ensure that residents receive comprehensive care.
Despite the crucial role that nurses play in nursing homes, they often face significant challenges. Staff shortages, high turnover rates, and heavy workloads can all make it difficult for nurses to provide the level of care that they would like to. In addition, nursing home residents may suffer from complex medical conditions that require specialized knowledge and skills.
Undoubtedly, nurses play a vital role in nursing homes by providing medical and emotional support to residents. Their dedication and hard work are essential to ensuring that residents receive the best possible care. Nurses Week is a time to recognize and celebrate the important contributions of nurses, while also raising awareness of the challenges they face. By supporting and valuing our nurses, we can help to improve the quality of care in nursing homes and ensure that residents receive the compassionate and competent care they deserve.
On behalf of the iCare Health Network, we all thank iCare’s nurses and nurses everywhere for your dedication and commitment to the nursing profession and in particular in sharing your passion and talent that impacts patients, their families and your peers every day! We honor our nursing staff and the dedication to quality care that they show every day and indeed to nurses everywhere.
