Dear Readers,
I am excited to share this issue, which is largely focused on nursing.
In these pages, you will read about our new, formal initiative to use our nurses’ observations and expertise to drive continual improvement.
Shriners Children’s nurses aren’t just clinicians. They’re educators, leaders and lifelong advocates for the children they serve. Our nurses are central in our hospitals and clinics. So, we are encouraging them to be curious about the best practices in patient care, an approach called evidence-based practice. You’ll also learn about Shriners Children’s new nursing practice and research council, whose members will mentor nurses throughout our healthcare system.
I particularly enjoyed our feature article on page 11, which describes the special connections our nurses and patients form. These bonds are often forged over many years as patients return for care, sometimes over their entire childhoods. It is incredibly moving to hear time and again of our young patients who think of our Shriners Children’s staff as a second family, and nurses are often front and center in these stories.
It’s a special nurse who wants to do advanced medicine and chooses to care for the most precious and vulnerable among us. We’re so thankful for them.
Sincerely,
Mel Bower
Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Shriners Children’s
Patient Perspectives
Maria, mother of 6-year-old Aksel, shared these kind words after her son came to Shriners Children’s New England with an injury he sustained on the baseball field. The staff is so grateful to have cared for Aksel and to have been a support to Maria.
“I cannot put into words — but will try — the incredible care these wonderful people provided to not only my child, with his broken arm, but to me as the anxious mom. From the front desk staff, who were so helpful and welcoming, to his medical and imaging team, all of whom took exceptional care of my boy and likely saved him from having to undergo surgery. I will forever be grateful. We left with many hugs and an arm that will be just fine because of them! Thank you, thank you!”
Maria
