Dear Nursing Staff at Palmetto Health Baptist,
Most people never see much of the difficult work you do. You work long hours — often with critically ill people — and help families who are coping with a loved one’s health crisis.
I’d never set foot in an ICU until two weeks ago, when I found myself visiting my dad as he recovered from a complex surgery. Throughout his time in the hospital I was reassured by many members of the nursing staff, but nowhere more so than in the ICU. There, the nursing staff carried themselves so professionally and assuredly that I felt more comfortable with everything happening around me.
It was while I watched the ICU staff one afternoon that it finally clicked. I realized what makes nurses so special. It’s courage. Surrounded by room after room of life hanging in the balance, I never saw an inkling of fear, only purpose, compassion and strength.
After this experience, I can honestly say I will never look at nurses the same way again. I have even more respect and appreciation than I did before.
Thank you for the hard work and generous effort you put forth to help others every day. You are inspiring.
Sincerely,
Julie Turner
The Thank You Project is a yearlong Wordsmith letter writing and blog project. I’m recognizing and thanking people who enrich my life and make my community an even better place to live.