Nurses are much appreciated

Editor,

"To cure sometimes, to relieve often, to comfort always." This quote from Hippocrates aptly describes a nurse's role. As we pause to honor them, these reflections come to mind:

For nearly 30 years I have relied upon nurses and consider them an integral and vital part of the medical team. Whether found in my office practice, the emergency room, or caring for hospital patients, they hold many things in common as they help to weave the fabric of healing that we all strive to create.

Nurses willingly perform a myriad of tasks and procedures that assist the physician in the diagnosis and treatment of his patients. We rely heavily upon their observations and clinical skills. Some days they must surely feel that we take for granted all of those behind-the-scenes duties they perform that make our jobs go easier. They not only care for patients directly, but they also field phone calls, calm fears, and even clean up as we go.

In our hurried days, they are frequently the ones who take the time to "listen with their hearts" to the needs and concerns of our patients. Nurses faithfully return day after day, never being exactly certain of what might be required of them.

Recently, a child at a local elementary school wrote these words to our school nurses: "You are my special nurse because you are kind and nice and careful too. I am glad you are my nurse. You are a chining star in the sky!" Another student wrote: "Thank you for calling my Mom and helping me when I broke my arm. I was glad you were there."

It seems no one says it better than a child, but we echo their appreciation. You ARE shining stars and we ARE very grateful you are there.

We sincerely thank and respect you for being the caring individuals you are. I pray that it is gratifying to know that you make a huge difference in our lives and the lives of our patients.

"To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived: This is to have succeeded." — Ralph Waldo Emerson

R. Stephen Irwin, M.D.

Western Montana Medical Clinic,

St. Joseph Hospital

Polson