Thank you is a phrase often expressed by patients to UF Health physicians, nurses and other care providers. Now, our nurses want to thank each of you for your generosity during National Nurses Week. During the Nourish a Nurse giving campaign, nurses received special surprises thanks in part to the generous support of UF Health patients, donors and friends. Local community organizations and area businesses partnered with us to provide meals and treats for our nursing staff.
Because of your support, you helped to delight our nursing team with thousands of treats during the month-long celebration. Your donations also supported the UF Health Shands Nursing Continuing Education fund.
“Our nurses were truly humbled by our community and patients’ generosity during Nurses Week,” said Irene Alexaitis, D.N.P., R.N., NEA-BC, UF Health Shands chief nursing officer and Nursing and Patient Services vice president. “Your support lifted our spirits and reminded us why we love what we do — to help patients like you.”
UF Health nurses are resilient, selfless and highly skilled. Along with other care providers, they are committed to health care excellence and helping patients have a positive recovery experience.
“I am especially proud to witness our extraordinary nurses in action. The pandemic, in particular, highlighted their collective superior skills in providing the best medical care to the citizens of Florida,” said Ed Jimenez, UF Health Shands chief executive officer. “Our nurses were there for all patients and also there for their families. I’m forever appreciative of their unparalleled commitment and thankful that our community, both locally and nationally, have also expressed their appreciation.”
Nursing teams felt the additional celebration was a bonus to the gratitude patients express daily.
“The gratitude that patients express towards you when you do help them – that makes it all worth it,” said Jorge Mulet-Perez, B.S.N., R.N.-BC, a UF Health Admission Discharge Transfer Unit (ADTU) nurse.
UF Health nurses strive to meet each patient’s needs while serving on the frontlines. Over the course of a hospital stay, a patient will interact often with UF Health nurses. Whether providing treatment or reassuring loved ones, these moments create a strong relationship.
“Being a nurse allows me the opportunity to be a sense of comfort and support for patients,” said 2021 UF Health Rookie Nurse of the Year Diana Ortega, B.S.N., R.N., a UF Health pediatric emergency nurse. “I really feel proud to be a part of a profession that really motivates me to make any kind of positive impact.”
