NWONL Presidents Message - Nursing Week Reflection

I love this time of year in the Northwest. The days become longer, birds can be heard singing in the early morning hours, and bursts of color can be found everywhere as flowers bloom and the grass greens. Most importantly, this is when Nurses Week occurs. I am thankful for this time to reflect on my time as a nurse and the gift that is the profession of nursing. Our profession has changed dramatically over the years and our generation of nurses have experienced unprecedented times in recent years. Through the toughest of times, we have persevered. And that deserves much celebration!

My hope is that you can find time to reflect on the impression you have made throughout your nursing journey as well and the impact your teams have made, for patients, their loved ones, nursing students, colleagues, and communities. We are thankful to Florence for being a pioneer and visionary for our profession. Because of her, nurses play a central role in driving the success of healthcare organizations. Their contributions extend beyond patient care, influencing outcomes, patient satisfaction, and operational excellence. Nurse leaders play a pivotal role in shaping healthcare decisions. Their expertise spans strategic planning, clinical excellence, financial stewardship, and ethical considerations. By collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, nurse leaders drive positive outcomes for patients and staff alike.

The profession of nursing is a gift to humanity. Thank you to each one of you for your countless contributions and Happy Nurses Week.

With sincere gratitude,

~Allea

Allea Thomas-Putnam, President NWONL