Thank You to Our Nurses

Inspired by Jim Shmerling, President & CEO of Connecticut Children’s
Written by Donna Culver

Once a year we take a time out to recognize our nursing staff. I want you to know that while we celebrate once a year, I am grateful and admire what you do on a daily basis. The passion, skills and commitment you demonstrate are what makes the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center so special. Recently, I was talking to a friend of mine about how I would like to write something very special in honor of our nursing staff. We chatted for a while and she captured my sentiments by writing the poem below.

I WANT YOU TO KNOW
I want you to know that I see you
and what you do.
You make your job look so easy,
this calling of being a nurse.

You lead with love and
empathy.
Holding hands, listening,
Being present.

You pay attention to the most minute details,
The dose, the sound, the
heartbeat change.

You guide the next generation
of doctors and nurses,
your years of experience,
invaluable and real.

This intersection of science and
compassion is this vital link
in our healing chain.

I am grateful for the
way you shape who we are
and how people see us.

I am grateful for the days
you leave behind your own
sick child or aging parent to
put our patients first.

I am grateful for the long hours
of standing strong and brave,
life fragile and uncertain.

It takes a special person to be a
nurse.
I want you to know that I see you
and what you do,
how special you are.

Thank you for all you do on behalf of our patients and their families.