Letter from the Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President, Clinical Services

Madelyn Pearson
Dear Colleagues,
With summer in full swing, I hope you are finding time for relaxation, rest and self-care.
In this issue of Heart & Science, Carolyn Hsu, MS, CCC-SLP, of Rehabilitation Services, shares her reflections on singing and her participation in the Longwood Chorus. For her, singing is a way to relieve stress and bring joy to patients and staff throughout the year.
This issue also highlights the rich contributions of nurses and Patient Care Services staff to patient care, education and global health.
Three of our nurse practitioners recently participated in a CME/CNE course for the care providers of U.S. embassy staff and their families around the globe. Our nurses had the opportunity to share their expertise, meet with nurses and other care providers from all over the world and engage in discussions about their challenges.
Meanwhile, another Brigham nurse was volunteering on a medical mission to Cambodia. Jennifer Verstreken, MBA, MSN, RN, of the Emergency Department, writes about her personal experience, with a focus on the importance of teamwork.
Here at the Brigham, nurses and therapists are playing a vital role in accelerating the recovery of cardiac surgery patients on the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathway. The entire interprofessional team created the pathway to improve the care of critically ill patients undergoing heart surgery, helping them to get back on their feet as soon as possible.
I am so proud of the many ways in which nurses and Patient Care Services staff are contributing to the health of patients locally and globally and the education of health care professionals.
With warmest regards,
Madelyn Pearson, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President, Clinical Services
Brigham Health