May 7, 2004

On the front line: MGH says "thanks"to nurses

This week, the MGH has celebrated and honored the many accomplishments of the hospital's nursing staff with a series of seminars and events that focused on this year's Nurse Recognition Week theme — Nursing at the MGH: Simply the Best.

The week began with the dedication of a Nursing Sundial Sculpture on the Bulfinch Lawn. The sculpture is a gift from the MGH Nurses'Alumnae Association and is located near Bartlett Hall. The sculpture is in honor of the nursing profession and those who practice it every day at the MGH. "Today's dedication of the nursing sundial sculpture is another highly-visible recognition of the profession of nursing, and, more importantly, the nurses at the MGH," said Peter L. Slavin, MD, president of the MGH. "It recognizes nurses' important place in the health care system, and through its prominent placement on our campus, it acknowledges the central place of nurses in the heart of the MGH family."

The weeklong celebration continued with a variety of scientific and educational seminars that focused on a wide range of topics such as strategies for becoming a published editor, caring for pregnant women with HIV, prolonged mechanical ventilation and weaning, and caring for the elderly. One of the highlights of the week was the presentation of the 2004 Yvonne L. Munn Research Awards and 10th annual lecture. The week ended with a special celebration and presentation of MGH Nurses Day at the Museum of Science.

From left, Marianne Ditomassi, RN, MSN, of Patient Care Services, Nancy Schon, sundial sculptress, and Jeanette Ives Erickson, RN, MS, senior vice president for Patient Care Services and chief nurse.

"The core of the MGH nursing team is the resolute commitment of its nurses to the MGH's patients, their unwavering belief in their respective discipline's domain of practice, their respect for and collaboration with other members of the health care team, and their openness to do whatever it takes to make care delivery the best it can be," said Slavin.