Spirit of a Nurse
On any given day, hundreds of nurses are on duty at Abington Memorial Hospital. Who they are and what they do make this hospital the quality institution that our community has counted on for over eighty-five years.
Amidst the modern technology and busy hallways, they are the human touch that lets you know you are truly cared for.
Years ago, when one thought of nurses, images of starched white uniforms and kind ladies came to mind. Nurses were efficient, skilled and helpful but considered assistants rather than professionals. That has surely changed.
Today, nurses are recognized and respected for their knowledge and skills. They are highly educated, and yet continue to learn and develop new skills throughout their careers. Often, nurses practice in certain specialties, such as maternity or critical care. They assume a number of roles that are vital to the delivery of patient care. From administrator to clinical specialist to staff nurse to instructor, nurses are more involved in health care delivery than ever before. However, with this evolution, one thing has NOT changed... Nurses are the heart of Abington Memorial Hospital.
Nurses care each and every time they go the extra mile to assist a patient. Nurses comfort patients when worry becomes as big an issue as an illness. They educate and instruct patients on how to help themselves. They advocate for their patients and protect them when they are vulnerable. They ensure that they receive the best care possible. Nurses care when they go beyond reading what is in a chart and listen to the patient or just "sense" the subtle changes that can be critical keys to facilitating their recovery
Nurses care each time they stay past the end of their work day to sit with a concerned family member and explain complex medical details to ensure they're understood.
Nurses care when they help other staff members determine what might be best for a patient, or when they assist a colleague who is providing care for a patient in a difficult situation.
Nurses are capable and committed to health care. They do all they can to increase their knowledge, skills and ability to care for their patients. It is they who continue to learn - and to teach - long after their formal education has been completed, so that they can deliver superb care in the constantly evolving field of nursing.
Of all the professions in the world, one can think of no other that shows so much caring than that of a nurse. A nurse is a compassionate caregiver, a professional, a healer, a listener, an advocate.
