Nurse week; appreciating those who care for us

Published May 16, 2014
By Senior Airman Colin Cates
379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar -- AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar - Being a nurse is a career that is not for everyone, but those who decide to make that commitment make a huge impact on society.

National nurses week is celebrated annually from May sixth and goes through May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern Nursing.

Major General Dorothy A. Hogg, assistant surgeon general of nursing services described nurse week as, a time to reflect on the important contributions nursing personnel have made and continue to make daily to provide safe, high-quality healthcare and patient advocacy."

The Air Force has over 18,000 total nursing force airmen, comprised of nurses and technicians, military and civilian. Of those 18,000 roughly 50 nurses and technicians are assigned to Al Udeid Air Base.

"The Nurse Tech week provides an opportunity to recognize all the hard work, sacrifices, dedication and contributions that the 379th Expeditionary Medical Group nurses and techs provide to the warfighting effort each and every day," said Lt. Col. Rosemary T. Haley, 379th Expeditionary Medical Group deputy commander and chief nurse. "Nursing is never about the recognition, it's all about taking care of people and making a difference, but knowing that it is celebrated annually truly does bring honor to our profession."

"Many of us will even say we love our job and could not think of doing anything else as a profession. I know I am one of those nurses", said Capt. Gary Webb, 379th Expeditionary Medical Group critical care nurse.

The American Nurses Association Board of Directors expanded "Nurses Day" to a full week; it was officially recognized by the U.S. government in 1993.

At Al Udeid Air Base the 379th Expeditionary Medical Group included technicians as well as part of nurse week.

"The doctors along with the leadership team of the 379th EMDG sponsored multiple events honoring all the nurses and technicians across all specialties," said Haley. "Nurse/Tech week kicked off with a breakfast, the Operations Group provided viewing opportunities for the launching of a B-1 aircraft, ice cream social and the grand finale will be a steak cookout."

"I feel the message of nurse week is that each individual is appreciated for all of their hard work and to show us that it hasn't gone unnoticed," said Senior Airman Amber Peterson, 379th Expeditionary Medical Group medical technician. "

By definition a nurse is someone who cares for those in need of medical help and accomplishes that with hard work and selfless dedication to their patients. The same principles are applied by Airmen to defend this nation.

"Being a nurse is very similar to being an Airman, they both take passion, teamwork and commitment to get the mission done," said Haley.

"I have great pride and honor in serving my country and being able to help others in need. When that shows as your proudest accomplishments, completing the mission comes easy," said Peterson.