During Nurses Week, May 6 –12, we at Aultman express heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering dedication, compassionate care and tireless commitment of nurses across the Aultman system as they serve patients and the community.

“I consistently hear positive feedback about Aultman nurses who made a difference for a patient,” said Nicole Kolacz, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, CENP, chief nursing officer at Aultman Hospital. “Patients rely on nurses for a comforting touch and a compassionate heart during their most vulnerable times.”

Nurses are vital to healthcare across the United States. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN):

• Nursing is the nation's largest healthcare profession, with nearly 4.7 million registered nurses (RNs) nationwide.
• From 2020 to 2022, the percentage of men in nursing increased from 9.4% to 11.2%.
• The federal government projects that more than 203,000 new registered nurse positions will be created each year from 2021-2031.
• Nurses comprise the largest component of the healthcare workforce, are the primary providers of hospital patient care and deliver most of the nation's long-term care.
• Though often working collaboratively, nursing does not "assist" medicine or other fields. Nursing operates independent of, not auxiliary to, medicine and other disciplines. Nurses' roles range from direct patient care and case management to establishing nursing practice standards, developing quality assurance procedures and directing complex nursing care systems.
• With more than four times as many RNs in the United States as physicians, nursing delivers an extended array of healthcare services, including primary and preventive care by nurse practitioners with specialized education in such areas as pediatrics, family health, women's health and gerontological care. Nursing's scope also includes services by certified nurse-midwives and nurse anesthetists, as well as care in cardiac, oncology, neonatal, neurological and obstetric/gynecological nursing and other advanced clinical specialties.

Nurses carry a heavy load and handle it with grace. “The selflessness and professionalism of nurses across the Aultman system inspire and motivate us all to do better,” Kolacz said. “I am in constant awe of the care they provide. I am grateful and proud to be a part of this team and an Aultman nurse.”

Be sure to thank a nurse this week for their care and commitment to patients and families.