Every year National Nurses Week begins on May 6 and ends on May 12, Florence Nightingale’s birthday. This year marks the 199 birthday of nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale. According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), she is recognized as the founder of modern nursing. She successfully established nurse education programs in British hospitals during the 1800s helping to industrialize medical care.

This week celebrates the 4 million registered nurses making vast contributions and positive impacts nationwide thanks to the contributions of Nightingale. Stamps Health Services (SHS) is proud to have almost 10 nurses who contribute to the health and well-being of Georgia Tech students every day. We spoke to several of the SHS nurses to learn more about the challenges of their job and what they love most about working at Georgia Tech.

Denise Fair, SHS registered nurse (RN) said, “I love being a nurse at Georgia Tech because of the students I serve. I have the pleasure of meeting people with diverse backgrounds from all over the world…There are highs and lows of being a nurse. It is not always fairytale endings and sometimes I have to deliver information to patients that is not the outcome I would like it to be. I try to always provide care with an intelligent mind, a caring touch, and mostly a compassionate heart.”

Ina Collins, SHS Nurse Manager said, “working here gives me an opportunity to see the students start off completely unaware of how to take care of themselves and at the end of the school year, we have the pleasure of watching them transition into adults taking care of their healthcare needs. We also teach our patients how to do this and it is very gratifying to watch the process.”

Melanie Thomas, SHS RN said, “As an alumnus, employee, and parent I know that the students of Georgia Tech have such a positive impact on the world we live in.  The healthier they are, the better they can realize their potential, which benefits all of us… I am blessed to work for Stamps with these people.  I am blessed to work at Georgia Tech.”

Nurses are members of the largest healthcare profession in the nation and provide frontline care for patients. They are a vital part of all healthcare teams, especially SH. Make sure to take time out of your week to recognize and thank them for their selfless work all year long. Thank you SHS nurses!