I suspect very few of us noticed that this week is National Nurses Week. It is always celebrated in conjunction with Florence Nightingale’s birthday on May 12th. Some would say: Who cares? You might care when you find yourself in a hospital bed at the mercy of someone who has RN plastered on their name badge.

I am a little partial to nurses. I spend my share of time visiting people in ICU, on the floor at the hospital, or in various kinds of waiting rooms. I have watched nurses take care of very sick children at Cook Children’s Hospital in Ft. Worth. I have even had a couple of hospital stays myself. I have learned a few things over the years about those in the nursing profession.

I work with families who have experienced the death of a loved one in the Emergency Room in the hospital on a very regular basis. I have been called to serve three families in such circumstances very recently. A good nurse makes all of the difference. There are so many things that must be done. Difficult decisions have to be made regarding autopsies, organ donation, and even initial funeral arrangements. Crucial choices must be made in fairly rapid succession.

A nurse must approach a shocked family dealing with acute grief with a gentle spirit. But the decisions must be made. Documents have to be signed. And there are always other patients waiting to be seen. I am grateful for the working partnership I have formed with my friends in the nursing profession in such circumstances. We have learned to work quite well together.

I also spend a fair amount of time in the Intensive Care Units with families. Visiting hours are usually limited in that setting. Nurses are working with all kinds of technology as they care for the patient. They have a mound of documentation to complete on each patient under their care. I particularly appreciate nurses who are willing to fudge a little bit on the visiting rules with families who are standing beside a loved one who is critically ill. These God given professionals go about their business and allow loved ones to touch and speak with their patient at such a crucial time. It is a gift of mercy and families appreciate it.

I have written about Hospice Nurses before. They are truly angels in my estimation. The Hospice Nurses who cared for my mother almost 19 years ago were beyond amazing. They enter a person’s home and become a part of the family for a period of time. And then the ordeal is over, and they in turn enter someone else’s home and impact the life of another family. But they leave their mark forever in the hearts of those they served.

It is Nurses Week. Who cares? I do for one…They are my partners in service. I am grateful for them this week and I plan to be equally thankful next week. May God bless their important efforts to serve others.