Celebrating National Nurses Week: Those Who Rise to the Challenge of This Ever-Changing Global Pandemic

By now, most individuals are settled albeit bored at home—keeping their distance, waiting for deliveries, working remotely—and patiently waiting for a reprieve from lockdown. Then there are those in the healthcare field—like the Chamberlain University community of students, alumni and colleagues—who Step Forward amidst the chaos, redefining what it means to be courageous in the face of adversity.

Every day, nurses leave their families to dive into the unknown, fighting a pandemic that has already taken so many. While heroes to most, nurses say they are just following their calling to be a healthcare provider.

The nursing profession has long been one that exemplifies humanity and nurturing. And now more than ever, nurses are revealing their true bravery through the unconditional level of care they provide others.

In May each year, Chamberlain University joins hands with nurses to celebrate National Nurses Week—to recognize their selflessness and highlight those on the front lines—those who show Portraits of Courage. This year, designated as The Year of the Nurse, we honor the 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth, the woman who changed the face of nursing.

Throughout Nurses Week, Chamberlain will livestream stories of those who Step Forward every day and share what nursing means to them. Please join us in the conversations:

Friday, May 8, 2020 at 12:00 PM CDT

From Nursing School to Global Pandemic

Chamberlain Dean Lisa Radesi, DNP, CNS, RN, interviews new alum Coyote Harkins, BSN, RN, about his experience on the front lines with patients fighting COVID-19.

Monday, May 11, 2020 at 1:00 PM CDT

Preparing Our Nurses in the Face of Uncertainty

Chamberlain Provost Carla Sanderson, PhD, RN, leads a panel of Chamberlain faculty to discuss the critical role of educating, empowering and emboldening nurses and answers the question—How can you prepare nurses for the reality of facing fear and uncertainty?

Tuesday, May 12, 2020 at 1:00 PM CDT

Finding Courage and Purpose

Missouri Southern State University nursing student Caleb Wolf shares an inspirational story on how nurses stood by his side and helped him find a purpose in life during his 100+ surgeries. Chamberlain President Karen Cox, PhD, RN, FACHE, FAAN, will lead a question-and-answer segment immediately afterwards.

Please follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook to participate in these riveting and inspiring conversations. We hope to see you there!

By Saimah Shareef and Heather Hurtado