HOISINGTON — National Nurses Week and National Hospital Week (May 6-12), will be celebrated at Clara Barton Hospital. These two national events allow individuals to take time to pause and say thanks to extraordinary people in the healthcare field who work hard every day to provide high quality, compassionate care for patients and their families who seek services at Clara Barton Hospital.
Every year, National Nurses Week focuses attention on the diverse ways America’s 3.1 million registered nurses work to save lives and to improve the health of millions of individuals. This year, the American Nurses Association (ANA) has selected “Nurses: Advocating, Leading, Caring “ as the theme for 2012.
Annually, National Nurses Week begins on May 6, marked as RN Recognition Day, and ends on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, founder of nursing as a modern profession. On Tuesday, May 8, nurses at Clara Barton Hospital in Hoisington will celebrate their time honored profession with a “white-out day”. “This will be a fun and memorable way to celebrate nurses week, explains Jane Schepmann, Chief Nursing Officer at Clara Barton Hospital. With our 32 Registered Nurses (RN’s) and 10 Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN), these 42 nurses have over 615 combined years of nursing expertise. With thirteen nurses having over 20 years of experience, several of them remember wearing the “traditional” nursing white uniform. On the 8th of May, we are asking all nursing staff to participate in the “white-out” by wearing the traditional white uniform.”  
Traditionally, National Nurses Week is devoted to highlighting the diverse ways in which registered nurses, who comprise the largest health care profession, are working to improve health care. “At a local level, we couldn’t be more proud of nurses and the dedication they bring to their profession every day. I often hear our employees refer to their role as a calling. That feeling is shown in every caring touch and in the time our nurses are present and spend time listening and helping our patients. These compassionate acts by our nurses inspire me. They make a difference in the lives of our patients and their families. I am very proud of the work they do,” said Schepmann.
The administration of Clara Barton Hospital invites the community to celebrate National Hospital Week and National Nurses Week on May 9 for a “Community/Employee Meet and Greet” in the front lobby from 2-4 p.m. Cookies, tea, coffee and popcorn will be served. Clara Barton Hospital will host the Chamber Coffee on Thursday, May 12 at 9:30 a.m. in the Turnbull Safe Room.