‘Thank a nurse for what they do’: Leaders highlight the skill and compassion of Methodist nurses

Every day, nurses across Methodist Health System go above and beyond to provide outstanding care to our patients, their families and visitors.

To celebrate National Nurses Week (May 6-12), leaders at Methodist’s hospitals shared what makes nursing such an important profession and offered their thanks for the skill, compassion and sacrifice that these incredible caregivers exhibit.

A nurse has to be a special person, said Melinda Kentfield, MSAS, BSN, RN, CENP, vice president of Patient Services and chief nursing officer for Methodist Fremont Health.

“The kind of person who follows their calling to pursue a career in nursing knows that they have a caring heart, are capable of connecting with others and have a passion for the science of nursing,” she said.

Serving others is second nature to nurses, said Jenene VandenBurg, MS, BSN, RN, vice president of Patient Services and chief nursing officer for Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital.

“I’ve never met a nurse who went into this career for any reason other than to help people,” she said. “Every day, I see nurses put the patients they’re caring for ahead of themselves. What’s so special is they don’t even realize it. They’re just doing what comes natural and meeting the needs of patients and their families.”

While patients and families experience Methodist nurses’ compassion and skilled care, they may not realize they’re also benefiting from a constantly evolving discipline.

“Opportunities for nurses have exponentially increased outside of traditional nursing roles,” said Teri Bruening, MSN, RN-BC, CNE, vice president of Patient Care Services and chief nursing officer for Methodist Hospital and Methodist Women’s Hospital. “There’s been a shift toward higher educational requirements for nurses. Most nurses are obtaining bachelor's degrees in nursing or higher, which results in a more educated workforce. Meanwhile, advanced practice providers such as nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists have expanded roles and responsibilities, allowing them to provide more comprehensive care and, in some states and organizations, practice independently.”

Nurses are natural lifelong learners, ready to embrace technology and the latest evidenced-based care standards to benefit their patients.

“A nurse’s work will continue to evolve with science and technology advancements,” Kentfield said. “We want the best outcomes for our patients, so that requires ongoing, diligent nursing research and changing our practices based on evidence. In my career, one of the most significant changes I’ve seen is the depth of ongoing learning and required education and training that nurses must maintain to ensure competency.”

Added Bruening: “Electronic health records, smartphones, smart beds and pumps, telehealth, virtual care – the list goes on and on – have all transformed nursing care.”

Amid the challenges and changes – and those to come – Methodist’s chief nursing officers know Methodist nurses will continue to excel and provide The Meaning of Care.

“Nursing can be challenging and stressful, but also a rewarding profession,” Bruening said. “Yet, the long hours, the emotional toll and the physical demands are met with a spirit of service. This week, I urge our nurses to reflect on the core values of our profession – compassion, integrity, trust and professionalism – and to know what a difference you truly make.”

During National Nurses Week and beyond, VandenBurg has a simple message for everyone who has been touched by a nurse in some way.

“Thank a nurse for what they do.”