CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - The nurses of Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune were recently honored in recognition of Nurses Week and the 106th birthday of the Navy Nurse Corps.
Nurses Week was celebrated May 6 through 12, along with the Navy Nurse Corps birthday May 13, throughout NHCL facilities aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.
“It’s an honor to be a part of the Navy Nurse Corps and celebrate 106 years,” said Navy Capt. Nancy Pearson, the senior nurse at the hospital.
Pearson served as a civilian nurse for 13 years before joining the Navy and has served 28 years in the Navy Nurse Corps.
Nurses don’t just take care of patients. They take care of other staff at the hospital, by teaching and mentoring, said Pearson.
When Pearson joined the Navy Nurse Corps, she learned her primary objective was not only to provide quality care but to train the Corpsmen.
“It’s very important for older nurses to pass on to the young,” said Ensign Elizabeth Mislowsky, the most junior nurse with NHCL. “They have so many years of experience.
Their skills and knowledge are very valuable to brand new nurses with very little experience. We’re like sponges trying to absorb as much knowledge and information as possible.”
As the senior and junior nurses, Pearson and Mislowsky participated in a ceremonial cake cutting ceremony. The two cut a birthday cake decorated with edible nursing equipment, using a Naval officer’s sword.
Although Mislowsky recently arrived at NHCL, she says she has already learned how seeking self-improvement can help her and others around her.
“The most important lesson I’ve learned so far is to never stop learning and always be willing to learn from others,” said Mislowsky. “Everyone can bring something different to the table.”
As the senior nurse, Pearson provides advice to junior nurses.
“We as nurses tend to put ourselves on the back burner, so make sure to take care of yourself,” said Pearson. “Keep yourself in a position where you are continuously learning. Make your eyes sparkle by choosing a nursing specialty that will make you happy for the rest of your career.”
Hospital chaplains honored NHCL nurses by anointing their hands and saying a prayer for the work they do, May 7 and 8.
“We appreciate the work the nurses do on a daily basis,” said Navy Capt. David A. Lane, commanding officer of NHCL. “They do a lot for the patients as well as the staff and we can’t thank them enough for what they do.”
Nursing staff were also recognized throughout Nurses Week with a breakfast, yoga classes and more, said Pearson.
“I have met so many wonderful people as a nurse, and the camaraderie is second to none,” said Pearson.
Date Taken: | 05.21.2014 |
Date Posted: | 05.21.2014 13:52 |
Story ID: | 130659 |
Location: | NORTH CAROLINA, US |
Web Views: | 364 |
Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Navy Nurses celebrate 106 years of service, by Cpl Mark Watola, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.