Nurses from across the Elderwood senior care network provided special Nurses’ Week messages for more than 1,400 nursing students currently enrolled in local nursing schools. The messages were collected from veteran nurses in various roles throughout Elderwood’s Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing Facilities and printed in cards that were delivered to students in time for the kick-off of National Nurses’ Week on May 6, 2021.
The week celebrates the incredible work that nurses do across the entire healthcare system. In the wake of the worst healthcare crisis in our lifetime, Elderwood wants to highlight, not only the enormous contributions and sacrifices made by nurses throughout the pandemic, but also the profound inspiration they provide to those who are just starting out on their career.
“We are aware, perhaps now more than ever, that our efforts, our actions, and our example are all key factors in helping young women and men discover their calling to the nursing profession,” said Rebecca Littler, RN, BSN, Chief Nursing Officer for Elderwood.
Faculty at the nursing schools, which included both Trocaire College and D’Youville College facilitated the delivery of the cards to the students and were grateful for the words of encouragement from current nursing professionals. “I think this is an awesome idea and a great way to encourage our students,” said Megan Cheyne RN, MSN, adjunct professor at D'Youville College.
Printed cards were delivered to local Nursing Schools with in-person instruction, while electronic versions were provided to schools with online classes, or those who were in the midst of final examinations. Elderwood employs more than 2,000 nurses across 33 senior care communities in New York, Vermont, and Rhode Island.
