May 8, 2013
Suffolk County Thanks its Nurses
Florence Nightingale, who is widely considered the founder of modern nursing, once said, “I use the word nursing for want of a better. It has been limited to signify little more than the administration of medicines and the application of poultices. It ought to signify the proper use of fresh air, light, warmth, cleanliness, quiet, and the proper selection and administration of diet — all at the least expense of vital power to the patient.”
National Nurses Week, which culminates with International Nurses Day on May 12, Nightingale’s birthday, gives us the opportunity to highlight the diverse ways in which registered nurses, who comprise the largest health care profession, are working to improve health care.
Despite the current economy in which resources have been diminishing, nurses working in Suffolk County’s community health programs continue to play a critical role in improving health care. Nurses strive to improve patient outcomes; increase access to care; contain communicable disease outbreaks; educate patients, families, and members of the community; respond to disaster situations; shape public policy; teach, conduct research and more.
“We commend our nurses for their excellence and for their dedication to deliver services that are essential towards meeting the complex and demanding health care needs of our community members,” said County Executive Steve Bellone.
“Almost everyone will at some time in their life interact with a nurse and will be the better for it. They deserve our deepest gratitude and respect,” said Dr. James Tomarken, Commissioner of Health Services.