Celebrating Nurse Appreciation Week

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Keenan Berry
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  
National Nurses Day is celebrated annually on May 6 to raise awareness of the important role nurses play in society. It marks the beginning of National Nurses Week, which ends on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale.

National Nurses Week was first witnessed in October 1954, anniversary century from Nightingale's mission during the Crimea War. May 6 was presented as the date for the observance in 1982.

Nurse Appreciation Week is also celebrated by the military honoring both nurses and medical technicians who take pride in what they do.

"This is an important event because people often don't realize that nurses and medical technicians have a huge impact on care," said Airman 1st Class Dylan Kielcheski, 509th Medical Operations Squadron family practice medical technician. "Patients believe they come to just see the doctor but there is actually a full team of people who are working on their healthcare."

Nurses and medical technicians work behind the scenes ordering renewing medicine, reading communicating test results and relaying providing health information and education to patients. Doctors, nurses and medical technicians work together to ensure patient health improves. For most, inspiration to take care of people stems from prior experience and history.

"I love being able to help people at their worst," said Maj. Christopher Goodenough, 509th MDOS. "I was inspired by two Marines who both lost two of their limbs during combat. Their friendship was so powerful that each was more concerned about the other's well-being rather than their own. This display of camaraderie and brotherhood motivated me to do what I do now."

Many nurses and medical technicians come from different walks and backgrounds that inspired them to pursue this occupation.

"This is an interesting and diverse career field," said Maj. Krista Grey, 509th Medical Group Education and Training Flight Commander. "It's nice being able to see different patients and help restore them back to their original optimize their health."

Whiteman medical personnel have a passion for doing their task in assisting Airmen, retirees, civilians and dependents in reaching their desired health; an honor worth celebrating.

The Medical Group kicked off the week with an ice cream social on Wednesday, 6 May. Other events will occur in accordance to their schedule.

"A few of our committee members came up with a handful of questions that will be sent out to the entire Medical Group to answer," said Staff Sgt. Heather McCoy, 509th MDG NCO in charge of education and training. "Anyone who submits the correct answer will be placed in a drawing and at the end of each day, a winner will be drawn."

There will be a scavenger hunt for the entire medical group to participate in on Friday, 8 May. Monday, May 11, will be a baby photo contest of several medical technicians and nurses who have submitted their photo. Finally, on Tuesday, May 12, the medical group will end with a catered lunch for all the nurses and technicians, provided by the funds they were able to raise.

For information please contact the 509th Medical Group at (660)-687-3881.