A chance to appreciate work of nurses

Regardless of their specialty or where they practice, nurses play critical roles in treating injuries and illness, as well as keeping people healthy and safe. They are often at the front line of health care, at the stretcherside delivering expert care while comforting and advocating for their patients and families.

Throughout my years in emergency nursing, I have had the privilege of meeting and working with nurses across many aspects of our profession. My career has taken me through the ICU, the emergency department, flight nursing, hospital leadership, research, advocacy and as a leader at many levels of the Emergency Nurses Association.

Throughout this time, I have learned from and been inspired by nurses from all walks of life, who each traveled a unique path into nursing and have riveting stories to tell about their journeys. I also love presenting at student nursing events and sharing in the excitement of young people who are getting ready to dive into this rewarding, challenging, humbling and amazing profession.

During National Nurses Week, which is May 6 through 12, I want to express appreciation on behalf of myself and the Emergency Nurses Association for all nurses and the work they do.

Nurses use their expertise to respond to the most traumatic injuries and care for patients in all fields — from oncology to obstetrics to orthopedics. They educate the public about illness and injury prevention, conduct research that leads to better patient outcomes, and teach today’s students who are working to be tomorrow’s nurses.

I encourage everyone, when they have an opportunity, to thank their nurses for all they do to make communities healthier and safer.

Ryan Ogelsby, President

Emergency Nurses Association

Schaumburg