Angel Medical Center President's Column for April 2023

PRESIDENT’S COLUMN 

Let’s Show Nurses the Deep Appreciation They Deserve, Not Just in May, But Every Day of the Year

What is appreciation?

Appreciation is shown in many ways, from simply saying “thank you” to taking the form of flowers, cookies, or whatever gesture of gratitude seems most appropriate. Appreciation for me sometimes comes from my mind, but not through my tongue. Just ask my wife and son. I expect them to do what I consider to be their duties, and it’s easier to forget saying “I’m grateful” out loud than I’d like to admit.

My wife recently showed me a Facebook post about the Franklin Police Department handling a complicated situation. They were dealing with a person wielding a gun who may or may not have been able to reason at that moment. She was doing what she loves to do, reading all the comments, and weighing in on them. Then she came across one that particularly caught my attention: Why are we praising them for … doing what they are paid to do?

I don’t believe that any of us — not even those who chose to enter the field of law enforcement — necessarily expect or want to have that type of threat and violence thrusted upon us on a regular basis in our lives.

It is my hope that all of us who live in this community and indeed our entire region, can choose kindness and gratitude as we reach out to one another — and be confident that others will also respond with openness, civility, and compassion. What is appreciation?

Although I have already confessed my inability to appreciate others properly at times, I also frequently tell my leadership team that I need their help with recognizing and rewarding the extraordinary Angel Medical Center team for a job well done on a regular basis — since they do outstanding work each and every day. In my heart, I know just how lucky I am to collaborate with some of the most caring and big-hearted people I have ever had the pleasure of working for and with.

This community should know that the Angel Medical Center staff cares about the overall wellbeing of the community, and every patient and family member whose lives they touch. Next month we celebrate Nurse’s Week from May 6-12, an ideal chance to acknowledge the caring nurses at our hospital, in our community, and perhaps even in our own families.

This recognition time was expanded to the entire month of May some years back, which is well-deserved. During this time, we don’t just celebrate the field of nursing, but the venerable history of nursing, since one nurse most of us are familiar with — Florence Nightingale — is forever associated with the field. She was born on May 12, 1820, and was a social activist and humanitarian in addition to being a devoted nurse. Nightingale believed that nurses use their servant-oriented hearts as well as their intellects to help heal and treat their patients. In other words, her approach was holistic, and she happened to be far ahead of her time.

I wanted to separate Nurse’s appreciation from all of May’s excitement and express my gratitude to nurses themselves, and also to nursing care. This encompasses so many things: the hand that reaches out generously when needed, the tear that is shed behind closed doors, the heart that is placed into every patient, the skill that is needed for each task, the smile that is shared when it’s most needed, and the silent prayer said when caring for patients. Nurses are experts too, at providing the gentle nudge that says “You got this.” These are the professionals who care for us during our worst moments and rejoice for us as we enjoy our best ones.

To nurses, their work is anything but a “job.” We would be in trouble if they arrived at work without the passion and heart that defines them, and which they display even when they know they will come into contact with an infectious disease, witness distress and death, face bitter complaints, and even endure threats to their physical safety.

I have the honor and privilege of seeing this team of nurses provide the most advanced and loving care possible, even as they deal with considerable challenges. The same goes for our other team members, including our Patient Care Techs, Radiology Techs, Lab Techs, Environmental Services Techs, Food Service Techs, and Patient Safety, Registration, Facilities, and Security staff.

If the thought goes through your head that’s similar to the Facebook comment my wife read — that this is what they signed up for and are paid to do — take another moment and feel gratitude for this special breed, whose primary goal is to bring comfort and healing to patients. It takes a very exceptional type of person to make this commitment, and we are all so much the better for it at Angel Medical Center, because our nurses have.

Clint Kendall, FACHE, MBA, MSN, BSN, RN, is Chief Executive Officer/Chief Nursing Officer of Angel Medical Center. He started his career as a nurse, and that perspective still informs his work and passion for the patient experience. Clint holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Nursing, and Health Care Management from the University of Phoenix, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Western Carolina University. Clint has also earned the Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) certification, and is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE), and the American Nurses Association (ANA).