National Nurses Week Recognized by Brookings Health System

  • May 07, 2012

Kristine Storhaug, an RN at Brookings Health System hospital’s medical-surgical floor, checks in on patient Margaret Streier. Storghaug is just one of nearly 200 nurses, nurse aides and others allied to the nursing field employed at Brookings Health System.
Kristine Storhaug, an RN at Brookings Health System hospital’s medical-surgical floor, checks in on patient Margaret Streier. Storghaug is just one of nearly 200 nurses, nurse aides and others allied to the nursing field employed at Brookings Health System.

This week, May 6-12, Brookings Health System recognizes the significant contributions made by members of the organization’s own nursing staff, which includes nearly 200 RNs, LPNs, CRNAs, ward secretaries, OR techs, CNAs and nursing assistants, during National Nurses Week.

“Our nursing workforce is instrumental in helping us deliver high-quality care to our patients and residents alike,” said Chief Nursing Officer Tammy Hillestad. “The care they provide directly impacts and touches the lives of our friends and neighbors that Brookings Health System has the privilege to care for. As such, we are very grateful to and proud of our nursing staff.”

Every year, National Nurses Week focuses attention on the diverse ways America's 3.1 million registered nurses work to save lives and to improve the health of millions of individuals. Nurses comprise the largest health care profession and work to improve health care. From bedside nursing in hospitals and long-term care facilities to the halls of research institutions, state legislatures, and Congress, the depth and breadth of the nursing profession is meeting the expanding health care needs of American society.

In addition, nurses have been voted the most trusted profession in America for 12 years in a row according to Gallup’s annual survey, which ranks professions based on their honesty and ethical standards. Eighty-four percent of Americans rated nurses’ honesty and ethical standards as “very high” or “high.”

Annually, National Nurses Week begins on May 6, marked as RN Recognition Day, and ends on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, founder of the modern nursing profession.

For more information on Brookings Health System and the organization’s complete list of services, please visit www.brookingshealth.org.

About Brookings Health System

Brookings Health System, located in Brookings, South Dakota, includes a 49-bed hospital, the 79-bed Brookview Manor nursing home, and Brookhaven Estates apartments. It is a non-profit, city-owned facility that offers the community a full range of inpatient, outpatient, and extended care services. The emergency room is staffed 24 hours a day and provides around the clock medical-nursing care for patient needs ranging from minor injuries to life threatening crises. For more information about the services offered at Brookings Health System, please call (605) 696-9000 or visit us on the Web at brookingshealth.org.