Regional Medical Center | Thrive for Life | Spring 2018

Licensed practical nurses complement the health care team by providing basic and routine care consistent with their education under the direction of an RN, APRN, or physician in a variety of settings. Each year, the health care industry recognizes the essential work of nurses during National Nurses Week: May 6 to May 12, Florence Nightingale’s birthday. Nightingale is renowned as the founder of modern nursing. Across Regional Medical Center’s system of care, we salute our nurses this year and every year for their incredible dedication and tireless work in caring for those who seek care at our facilities. Thank you! The heart of health care YEAR AFTER YEAR, Americans rank nursing as the most ethical profession, according to The Gallup Poll. More than 8 of 10 Americans describe nurse ethics as very high or high. Among the professions ranked highest in standards for honesty and ethics, three are within the field of medicine: nurses, medical doctors and pharmacists.  The American Nurses Association defines nursing as the protection, promotion and optimization of health and abilities; prevention of illness and injury; facilitation of healing; alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response; and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, groups, communities and populations. As the largest segment of health care workers, nurses provide the majority of direct patient care and spend the most time with patients. Nursing is an honorable profession and comes with great responsibility in implementing physician orders, providing care, and interfacing with patients and families on a more intimate level. Nurses often take more time than other providers for conversation, connection and education. In the U.S., a registered nurse has at least an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN). Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) are assuming more responsibility as the demand for health care has surpassed the supply of medical doctors. APRNs have completed at least a master’s degree and include certified registered nurse practitioners (CRNPs), clinical nurse specialists (CNS), certified nurse midwives (CNMs) and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs). Nurses Recognize your favorite nurse Nominate a nurse for RMC’s Art of Caring award. Email marketing@rmccares.org with your nomination before May 8. Find more information at rmccares.org/artofcaring . “When you are a nurse, you know that every day you will touch a life or a life will touch yours.” —Anonymous Sources: American Nurses Association ( nursingworld.org ); nurse.org Regional Medical Center 6 NURSING