Nurses have the power to improve the safety and wellbeing of patients, families and care teams 

by Carolyn Fahey, RN 

Senior Clinical Experience Manager, Stryker

As a nurse for more than 30 years, I’ve witnessed many powerful ways nurses can transform healthcare. Day after day, our talents and tenacity improve the lives of thousands of patients and families around the world. As trusted care team members, we also impact the wellbeing of our colleagues.

This year, the American Nurses Enterprise is shinning a light on The Power of Nurses™ with its national theme for Nurses Week, May 6-12. This theme is perfect to recognize the hundreds of power-house nurses I’ve had the priviledge to work with in many different healthcare settings.

When I think about the nurses I know, and the powers they use for good, I think about their impressive clinical experience, MacGyver-like innovative thinking, and vast capacity for human connection all coming together for moments of impact. I also think about the importance of protecting these powers so nurses can thrive in their passion and pursuit to care for others.

Patient safety starts with care team safety, which includes protecting nurses’ psychological, emotional and physical safety as well as creating working environments that promote dignity and inclusion. Upholding a culture of safety and respect is critical to retaining valuable nurses and recruiting the next generation.

If you haven’t thanked a nurse lately for all they do, now is the time. Without their power to care, we would all be in a world of hurt. While nurses often seem like superheroes, they are humans, too. And they deserve compassion, gratitude and support.

I’m proud to be a nurse, but I’m even more proud and thankful to have so many powerful nurses by my side as friends, colleagues and caregievers. 

In recognition of Nurses Month, we’re amplifying nurse voices from past Caring Greatly podcast episodes
2022 - 2026