Nurses inspire, innovate, and influence

May 7, 2018

2018 Nurses Week theme

To help commemorate this special week dedicated to all nurses, every year ANA chooses a theme to unite the Nurses Week celebration nationwide. The theme selected for 2018 is “Nurses: Inspire, Innovate, Influence.”

Below, we outline how Marian University nurses and nursing students inspire, innovate, and influence as well as why we should celebrate them not just this week, but every week.

Nurses inspire

At Marian University, we aim to provide students with an education that inspires them to transform lives, society, and the world.

From Day 1, our nursing students learn the value of taking a holistic, faith-based approach to patient care. Marian University is an institution that identifies with Catholicism; as such, our nursing instructors use the importance of faith to inspire nursing students to care for the mind, body, and spirit of every patient.

To quote Maya Angelou: “They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”

Nurses innovate

Nurses use quick, innovative thinking and problem solving skills on the job every day to provide the best care for their patients. Whether it’s crafting wound dressings by repurposing other medical supplies to helping families navigate medication schedules, nurses are always trying to make life easier for patients and themselves.

No doubt, for Marian University nursing students, that innovative spirit starts in risk-free, simulated scenarios in our labs and later in clinical rotations interacting with patients in real healthcare settings. That inventiveness continues with our nursing research and informatics courses, which teach students the importance of thinking on their feet and customizing healthcare to individuals.

Nurses influence

Often recognized as one of the most trusted professions by public opinion surveys, nurses also wield a special and important influence over their patients and peers.

Early on in their education, Marian University nursing students learn how to influence patients through their role as a nurse. Starting in their clinical rotations, they begin to understand the importance of serving as a liaison between patients and their physicians.

Marian University nursing instructors also influence their students. In Marian’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, for example, students shadow a nursing leader to get a behind-the-scenes look at how nursing administrators advocate for other nurses every day.

Have you thanked a nurse this week?

For all they do to inspire, innovate, and influence, nurses deserve so much more than one week of recognition. This National Nurses Week, join us in supporting nurses and nursing students and honoring this vital profession.

Not sure how to thank a nurse? Follow the ANA on Facebook or Twitter for ideas and use the hashtag #nursesweek to keep up with nursing celebrations across the country.