BY: RACHEL WUMKES
Another National Holiday during a time of our lives that could not be more fitting, is National Nurses Day. It was first observed in October of 1954 which marked the 100th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s pioneering work in Crimea.
For those who are unfamiliar with that name, Florence Nightingale was the nurse of all nurses. The ultimate nurse. The one who changed history and altered the course of nursing for the rest of time. Widely known as “The Lady with the Lamp” she founded modern nursing. Her strict handwashing and hygiene practices while caring for wounded soldiers during the Crimean War reduced the death rate from 42% to 2%.
I can only imagine the lack of medical regulations during those days. When something as simple as washing your hands and having proper hygiene could save so many lives.
Fitting, really, that the same general rule of thumb is being preached today curing the global pandemic. Proper hygiene and handwashing can again save lives. While it’s something we should all be doing all the time, it’s been brought to the forefront to combat the COVID-19 virus.
According to NationalDay.com, there are over 3 million working nurses in the United States today. They make up the highest percentage of the US healthcare workforce. And believe it or not, nurses are more likely to sustain a back injury on a shift than construction workers, and they walk an average of 5 kilometers per shift, as caring for others’ health is such an active job!
Not all nurses work in hospitals or clinics, some choose to do home visits, work in schools, or care for the elderly in nursing homes. Still, all nurses have the same goal: to provide exemplary care to keep people happy and healthy. Which is why today, National Nurses Day, is a great time to show them your support for all they do.
They are the backbone of the medical community and, especially now, deserve a celebration like none other!
As you may have noticed, the Mercy One Campus in Mason City is flooded with lime green bows. A collaboration between the Mason City Jaycees and Main Street Mason City, these bows have been placed around the community and given to every Mercy One employee to display outside their home.
It’s a sign of honor, of commitment and dedication. But mostly, of thanks. For all of those fighting on the front lines and working to keep us safe during this uncertain time in our lives. If you’d like to purchase these bows to show your support, they are available at the Fareway location in Mason City.
We tip our hats to you. We salute you. We lift of caffeinated beverage with a toast to you! I cannot imagine a world without nurses. Keep on fighting the good fight.
For you, for your families, for all of us.