Meaningful recognition is one of the components of our Professional Practice Model, and National Nurses Week was a wonderful opportunity to recognize each other, reflect on our practice and shine a light on the ways that nurses make a difference in the lives of so many people. 

The annual nursing dinner was a particularly special way to celebrate nursing practice and honor five nurses who exemplify our nurse recognition theme, “Dedicated to Care.” 

This year’s recipient of the Kurlat Essence of Nursing Award, Beth Melanson, MSN, RN, CWON, ACNS-BC, CCRN, and the four honorees, Cory Gallant, BS, RN, Brian Monahan, BSN, RN, Susan Rodriguez, BSN, RN, CNRN, and Rebecca Spitz, BSN, RN, are expert on practicing both the art and science of nursing. As you read more about these nurses in this issue of Heart & Science, you’ll notice a common theme: the importance of relationship-based care in their practice.

While they each have different personalities and work with diverse patient populations, they all find ways to establish a connection with their patients and patients’ loved ones. This helps patients feel known and safe, and it enables us to deliver better care when we have a greater understanding of who our patients are as people.

I was particularly touched by how some of these nurses describe their own practice and how they see the contributions of nurses. Rebecca Spitz stated it beautifully:

“In this journey as an oncology nurse, I always recognize the importance of our work and the trust our patients place in us. I recognize the sacredness of our jobs and try to engage patients’ hearts and minds through our daily tasks of caring for them.”   

Nursing is frequently named this country’s most trusted profession, and that is because of nurses like Rebecca, Beth, Cory, Brian, Susan and so many others at the Brigham. It is because of the way you establish relationships with patients, advocate for them and care for their physical and emotional needs, during what may be a difficult time in their lives. So often, you help them to achieve what they consider to be miracles.

I am so proud to be part of a truly special community of nurses at the Brigham. 

With warm regards,

Madelyn Pearson, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President, Patient Care Services