We had a chance to sit down with our founder, Michael Donner and talk candidly about Barco’s Nightingales Foundation.  Below is part two of the conversation.

Q.      Do you anticipate working with additional organizations in 2014?

A.      No.  This is our style – hands on and intimate.  There is only a certain amount of time and energy we can offer.  I’ve personally visited the camp, travelled to Haiti and Peru to see our work and to ensure we are making a difference.  It’s not just about writing a check, it’s about being intimately involved and working as close as possible to the children being helped. 

Q.     Where do you see the future of the Foundation?

A.     Our future is continuing to be supported by our Community of Compassion.  This includes our Barco Uniforms family, our supplier community, our families, friends and customers.  As we continue to spread the word, this Community of Compassion grows, we have the opportunity to help thousands more children.  We have an optimistic and hopeful future. As we realize more success we are able to do even more while continuing to pay tribute to the nursing profession and to nurses throughout the world, and to the amazing work they do.  Through our work, we hope to continue to elevate the image of nurses, showcase their professionalism and celebrate their dedication.

Q.     What do you feel is the greatest need in the nursing profession today?

A.     I would like to see the image and portrayal of nurses in the community, in Hollywood, in the movies and on TV, in the press, and in the public be elevated.  People need to understand and appreciate the highly skilled, highly clinical role nurses have as they contribute to saving lives, healing wounds, and bringing a courageous heart as they help those who are ill.  They are skilled professionals helping to heal and save lives, and their contributions are made on a much higher level than the image portrayed by Hollywood.  Nurses are partners with doctors in healing and saving lives.

Q.     How can others support and honor nurses?

A.     In a national poll, with exception of 1991, the most respected occupation in the United States has been nursing.  It’s true that they have support, but I believe their image should be elevated and they should be celebrated.  We have an Award of Excellence that is given annually to a nurse who gives back through volunteering.  In general, and at the least, we should celebrate and honor nurses during nurse week.  Better yet, we all should show support by stepping out and letting the world around us know how important we all think nurses are.  Write to the media. Voice your opinion.  Tell the media and Hollywood to get it right, to be accurate, and to show nurses doing the work they actually do as partners with doctors.

Q.      Do you anticipate working with additional organizations in 2014?

A.      No.  This is our style – hands on and intimate.  There is only a certain amount of time and energy we can offer.  I’ve personally visited the camp, travelled to Haiti and Peru to see our work and to ensure we are making a difference.  It’s not just about writing a check, it’s about being intimately involved and working as close as possible to the children being helped. 

Q.     Where do you see the future of the Foundation?

A.     Our future is continuing to be supported by our Community of Compassion.  This includes our Barco Uniforms family, our supplier community, our families, friends and customers.  As we continue to spread the word, this Community of Compassion grows, we have the opportunity to help thousands more children.  We have an optimistic and hopeful future. As we realize more success we are able to do even more while continuing to pay tribute to the nursing profession and to nurses throughout the world, and to the amazing work they do.  Through our work, we hope to continue to elevate the image of nurses, showcase their professionalism and celebrate their dedication.

Q.     What do you feel is the greatest need in the nursing profession today?

A.     I would like to see the image and portrayal of nurses in the community, in Hollywood, in the movies and on TV, in the press, and in the public be elevated.  People need to understand and appreciate the highly skilled, highly clinical role nurses have as they contribute to saving lives, healing wounds, and bringing a courageous heart as they help those who are ill.  They are skilled professionals helping to heal and save lives, and their contributions are made on a much higher level than the image portrayed by Hollywood.  Nurses are partners with doctors in healing and saving lives.

Q.     How can others support and honor nurses?

A.     In a national poll, with exception of 1991, the most respected occupation in the United States has been nursing.  It’s true that they have support, but I believe their image should be elevated and they should be celebrated.  We have an Award of Excellence that is given annually to a nurse who gives back through volunteering.  In general, and at the least, we should celebrate and honor nurses during nurse week.  Better yet, we all should show support by stepping out and letting the world around us know how important we all think nurses are.  Write to the media. Voice your opinion.  Tell the media and Hollywood to get it right, to be accurate, and to show nurses doing the work they actually do as partners with doctors.