WBAMC celebrates National Nurses Week

Photo By Amabilia Payen | Col. Gayla Wilson, deputy commander inpatient services, William Beaumont Army Medical Center, holds a Turkish lamp, the same type Florence Nightingale used to make midnight rounds to check on soldiers in the Crimean War, during a ceremony at William Beaumont Army Medical Center kicking off National Nurses Week, May 6. Throughout the week, nurses were treated to delights provided by hospital leadership, including a nurses’ survival kit containing various necessities required during a shift. National Nurses Week celebrates and recognizes the important role nurses have in health care. (U.S. Army photo by Amabilia Payen)  

FORT BLISS, TX, UNITED STATES

05.23.2016

Story by Marcy Sanchez  

William Beaumont Army Medical Center

William Beaumont Army Medical Center celebrated a week’s worth of events recognizing efforts and practices of WBAMC nurses during National Nurses Week, held May 6 - 12.

The week kicked off with a ceremony which welcomed Lenore Enzel, associate director of patient care services and nurse executive, El Paso Veterans’ Affairs Health Care System, to WBAMC, May 6.

“There’s a strong camaraderie that exists in the Army among nurses and the healthcare team,” said Enzel. “It’s a thrill to be back.”

Enzel, a retired Army Nurse Corps colonel, highlighted the significance of nursing and the importance of their role in patient care.

“Always put patient safety first and never give up,” said Enzel. “No matter how adverse it may be, you just need to keep (caring).”

During the weeklong recognition, leaders personally delivered meals and beverages to nursing staff and closed the week with a hospital-wide cookout for all Soldiers, staff, patients and visitors.

“Nurses are one of the most trusted professionals; the majority of our hospital is made of nurses,” said Maj. Sharika Labrie, one of the Nurses Week organizers. “It’s important to recognize that staff because a lot of the work goes unnoticed.”

Nurses at the hospital also received a nurse’s survival kit which contained gum, lip balm, permanent marker, pen, penlight and a notepad, which according to Labrie, will help nurses during their shifts.

According to Labrie, despite being recognized for their efforts during Nurses Week the number one concern for the staff remained mission accomplishment or patient care. Currently, WBAMC has about 1,000 commissioned, enlisted or civilian nurses.

The first National Nurse Week was observed in 1954 in commemoration of Florence Nightingale’s mission to Crimea. Today, the celebration is held every year from May 6 - 12, Florence Nightingale’s birthday.

Nightingale is praised as one of the founders of modern nursing. During the Crimean War, Nightingale’s commitment to duty was demonstrated by her lamp-lit midnight rounds through clinics ensuring soldiers were cared for. Because of this, she was dubbed the “Lady with the Lamp.”

“She started then what we do today,” said Labrie. “We celebrate her because we wouldn’t be where we are today without her.”

• Date Taken: 05.23.2016
• Date Posted: 05.23.2016 16:21
• Story ID: 198787
• Location: FORT BLISS, TX, US