Everyday Heroes
“ The meaning of life is to find your gift . The purpose of life is to give it away .” – William Shakespeare
MEAGHAN SUSI
For the past seven years , we have partnered with the Rhode Island State Nurses Association to present the annual Excellence in Nursing Awards .
The genesis of this was repeated comments by physicians about their colleagues in health care and the need to provide statewide recognition for the nursing profession . The process is simple : Nurses are nominated in several categories that are reviewed and updated accordingly each year by the RISNA . The nominations are sought from the health care community at large and those nominated are judged by a panel of nursing professionals .
It comes as no surprise that this year we saw a record number of nominations , especially in a new category , nurse staff / team . In fact , the entire nursing profession in Rhode Island was nominated appropriately by Margaret Clifton , state director of the Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nurse Education .
The nominations are thoughtful , heartfelt and impassioned . They come from a broad spectrum : colleagues , non-nursing health care professionals , even patients .
This is the first year the feature has graced the cover of Rhode Island Monthly and I can ’ t think of a better way to say thank you to those who were the frontline heroes , especially during the past eighteen months . But the fact is nurses are frontline heroes ( a cliche , I know ) every day . Sure , the pandemic amplified the risk , the need , the extreme conditions of health care . But these are the folks who are bedside when we are incapacitated by even the most common malady or condition . They are the calming influence , the welcoming ear , the reassuring voice we often need when racked by worry , anxiety , the unknown .
Kait Murray , our special editions editor , has shepherded this program since its inception .
Later this month , this year ’ s class of award winners will be honored at a celebration at Kirkbrae Country Club in Lincoln , a fitting tribute .
Lastly , while the effects of the pandemic are not likely to fade anytime soon in health care , the impact on children ’ s education still looms large . Senior editor Casey Nilsson provides insights from students ’ perspectives . Aspirations and a genuine desire to learn were often inhibited or stalled by the uncertainty caused by COVID-19 .
To you , subscribers and casual readers , I sincerely hope you realize this type of locally owned , locally produced , locally nurtured journalism is only possible with your support and encouragement . Thank you for that .
To the Rhode ahead . – J . J . P .
12 RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l SEPTEMBER 2021