Nurses make people feel comfortable in the most uncomfortable situations. (Provided photo — Diane Chase)

May is National Nurse Appreciation Month, but we all know it should be celebrated daily.

Whether it’s a day, a week, a month, or a year, I can’t last a minute without a nurse in my life. We would all be lying (you mischief makers) if we didn’t admit that when our health goes wonky, we tiptoe to our nurse friends and acquaintances and ask for expert advice. We still go to other healthcare professionals to ensure all is well. But those nurses, they’ve got our backs.

In 2020, the American Nurses Association (ANA) expanded National Nurses Week to include the whole month of May. In case anyone has forgotten, the reason was how amazingly healthcare professionals rose to pandemic proportions to keep everyone safe during COVID. The theme of “You Make A Difference” continues to showcase the importance of these trusted professionals.

I can only speak for my own experiences, but nurses are the backbone of every hospital, doctor’s office, home and hospice care. They are the people a patient sees first. A nurse makes you comfortable and asks questions. They care for the sick and injured and keep healthy people fit. They help bring us into the world and are there with any end-of-life needs. Because I’m not a healthcare professional, I have yet to learn what every nurse does, but I know I’m always in good hands.

Nurses choose a profession where most people they interact with are unhealthy. They choose kindness and empathy even when patients are challenging, disruptive, and dismissive. A rare type of human wants to work in such a stressful situation every day. Thankfully these professionals are willing to put others first and provide the level of care we all expect.

It may be time for our wellness visit to include recognition of the nurses in our lives. A simple thank you is always warranted. To all the nurses in my past, present, and future, I am grateful for what you do today and every day. Thank you.