As the year is about to end and the new year is about to begin, I think about how fortunate we all are with the heart and soul of nurses around the globe.
This year I had the opportunity to spend one week with 4 amazing nurses while I was in Pucallpa, Peru.  This was my first opportunity to be with volunteer nurses and seeing them in action.  I was blown away in amazement over what I saw and experienced.  What courage and dedication they exhibited from the moment their work day began until the end of the day. It was not unusual to see 12 hour days as the norm.  I even witnessed the nurses working around the clock and only taking very limited breaks. My standing ovation goes out to the four of them Beverly, Tina, Stephanie, and Diane (as pictured above).  I was so deeply moved in watching them go all out with such competence and their loving touch. This loving touch clearly positions nurses everywhere as the true heroes in our health care system.
Stephanie
During my time in Peru I witnessed something that ripped at my heart and soul.  One of the surgery room nurses, Stephanie, learned during the first several days of the trip, that her husband fell off a ladder and broke his back. What a tragic and shocking piece of news for Stephanie, and all members of the trip. What I witnessed next is nothing short of remarkable.  Due to the limited flight schedule from Pucallpa to Lima and then home, she had a full day of nursing time left before leaving for the airport. I was in the surgery room for much of my time while in Peru. On that day following the news of her husband, I saw Stephanie in action as the surgery nurse partnering with the surgeon. Her dedication and devotion was at the highest  level of contribution.  You could not believe your eyes. She was so into her role while her heart and emotions must have been with her fallen husband. My respect for Stephanie and nurses everywhere could not be higher. Thank you Stephanie.
Diane
Beverly
As I reflect on the nurses on my Advisory Board, I can only tell you how remarkable each one of them are.  They each have a remarkable story and journey.  They bring such skill and medical competence each and every day along with heart and soul.  Their loving human touch brings such comfort and optimism to their patients and families. Their reasons for volunteering say a great deal about their calling.  When you get inside their story and reasons for volunteering and in being a nurse, you come away with such an applause for each one of them. We are all very lucky and fortunate in having nurses in our lives when needed,
Tina
I welcome you the reader to share your story on great nurses in your life.  I would like to read your stories and will , with your approval, post them for the world to read so they too can witness the heart and soul of healthcare.
Send them to m.donner@barcosnightingales.org.