Madelyn Pearson

Dear Colleagues,
We have so much to celebrate during National Nurses Week — our first as a Magnet-designated institution and a Baby-Friendly hospital.

Our theme, “Making a Meaningful Difference,” acknowledges the many ways that you positively influence the lives of patients, their loved ones and colleagues.

During the Nurse Recognition Reception May 9, we had an opportunity to honor this year’s recipient of the Kurlat Essence of Nursing Award Laura Dickens, MSN, RN, and the four exemplary nurses named as honorees: Melissa Hawes, MSN, RN, PCCN, Vedna Heywood, RN, Laura Spinney, BSN, RN, CCRN, and Maureen Tapper MSN, RN, PCCN.

As you’ll read in this issue of Heart & Science, these nurses are known by their colleagues and leaders for their expert practice of relationship-based care and going above and beyond to make a difference for patients and loved ones. The ways in which we form relationships with patients and families, care for their physical and emotional needs and help them to achieve their goals are truly the essence of nursing.

Our theme also recognizes how you make a difference to our hospital mission, the profession of nursing and future generations of patients and families through research, innovation, education, community service and quality improvement. This week, we released our 2017-2018 Department of Nursing Report, “Journey to Excellence,” to celebrate nurses’ contributions in these areas. Several of these stories will also be included in a special “wrap” of The Boston Globe’s annual Salute to Nurses section on May 12.

I am so proud of the ways that you make a profound difference to the Brigham community and beyond. Thank you for your unwavering devotion to our patients and their loved ones.

Happy National Nurses Week!
With warmest regards,

Madelyn Pearson, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President, Clinical Services
Brigham Health