I Want to Start a Movement: Nurses are Their Own Type of Hero

There’s a popular quote I’ve often seen on medical TV shows and in movies that says, “Save one life, you’re a hero. Save 100 lives, you’re a nurse.” In many ways, nurses are the ultimate heroes. Across the United States there’s a shortage of nurses, and in 2019 the nursing profession was ranked third-most-in-demand profession in the nation. This past week wrapped up a national celebration and appreciation for these unsung heroes, and we dedicate today’s blog to our own amazing nursing team.

Growing up, the first professional woman I met was a nurse. She lived next door and I was very curious about what she did. I learned from my grandmother about her course of study and the neat ceremony she had when she graduated. I also remember the cool uniform she wore, especially her hat. Over the years, my appreciation for nurses has continued to grow.

Nurses wear many hats, especially those working within the human services industry. Over the past year, the KenCrest nursing team stepped up in big way; going beyond their normal day-to-day responsibilities to keep us all safe, educated, and informed to combat the coronavirus in the most proactive ways possible.

It was nurses who led the collection and inventory of our COVID supplies, especially the personal protective equipment (PPE) we needed to keep staff safe while they cared for clients who tested positive. It was nurses working round the clock at our Community Medical Homes, limiting the number of personnel from coming and going from the homes to minimize the most high risk members of our Family from contracting COVID. There were nurses who held hands of KenCrest residents and shared kind words in hospitals when their loved ones couldn’t be by their side to comfort them. It was nurses answering calls, having hard conversations, and reassuring us when we were exhausted, scared, and “in the trunk.” It was also nurses showing up and deploying emergency PPE kits and supplies at all hours of the day and night when homes and residents needed to quarantine. From RNs to LPNs, Coordinators, Care Managers, and every nursing position in between, each one went above and beyond to answer the call of duty to serve the entire KenCrest community during one of the most critical times in our company history. Where would we be without them?

In the pandemic, the lives of nurses was very much like that of soldiers, holding the line of defense and protecting others. Sadly, more nurses lost their lives in the pandemic than serving in World War I. It is amazing to see how this profession contributes to our well-being and how far nurses will go to support us, care for us, and hold our hands at the most vulnerable moments in our lives.

Nurses helped save hundreds of lives directly and indirectly. Be sure to thank the nurses in your life because they truly are all heroes.