May 6–12 is National Nurses Week — a time to celebrate the compassion, expertise, and unwavering dedication of our nurses. According to Gallup, nursing is the most trusted profession in the United States and has been every year except one since 1999. This recognition reflects the deep appreciation patients and communities have for nurses’ expertise, advocacy, commitment and the meaningful relationships they build each day.
At Lee Health, nurses make up the largest segment of our workforce. We are proud to have exceptional registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and advanced registered nurse practitioners. Whether at the bedside or behind the scenes, our nurses serve as role models, advocates, and essential caregivers who make a difference in countless lives.
We are committed to advancing nursing practice and empowering nurses through shared governance and professional development. At Lee Health, our nurses have a voice and they lead, innovate, and build long, fulfilling careers. To explore opportunities to join our nursing team, visit leehealthnursingcareers.org.
This year’s Nurses Week is especially meaningful as our teams at Golisano Children’s Hospital, HealthPark Medical Center, and Cape Coral Hospital celebrate their recent Magnet designations from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
The Magnet Recognition Program identifies healthcare organizations worldwide where nursing leaders and frontline teams collaborate to improve patient outcomes. Widely regarded as the gold standard for nursing excellence, it recognizes organizations that demonstrate superior clinical outcomes, strong interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation in practice and a culture that empowers nurses at every level.
Our other Lee Health hospitals, including Gulf Coast Medical Center and Lee Memorial Hospital, are also on this journey, and we look forward to celebrating their success in the future.
This week also includes National Hospital Week, May 10–16, recognizing the collective efforts of the many individuals who ensure the 24/7/365 delivery of leading-edge, high-quality, compassionate care.
Our hospital teams include dedicated professionals—physicians, therapists, technologists, transporters, plant operations, food service workers, environmental services staff, volunteers, administrators, and many others—whose commitment keeps our hospitals running every day and night.
Thank you to every nurse and hospital team member who has chosen to serve others through your work at Lee Health. Your impact is profound, lasting, and deeply appreciated.
Larry Antonucci, M.D., MBA is the president & CEO of Lee Health, Southwest Florida’s major destination for health care offering acute care, emergency care, rehabilitation and diagnostic services, health and wellness education, and community outreach and advocacy programs. Visit LeeHealth.org to learn more.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Lee Health: Recognizing, celebrating nurses, hospital teams
Reporting by Larry Antonucci, M.D., MBA, President & CEO of Lee Health / Naples Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
