Area nurses give back

Nursing is more than a career; it's a calling. It's not for everyone, but everyone entering this noble profession understands this: Nursing requires extremely hard work, staying current with the latest medical protocols and technologies, remaining calm and collected under sometimes severe medical circumstances, and above all, a compassionate and giving heart. Few of us actually have the chance to literally help save lives while simultaneously inspiring and bringing hope to individuals. But this is exactly what nurses do—each and every day.

To salute nurses everywhere in the U.S., National Nurses Week is observed each year in mid May. For many nurses, the week held an array of activities designed to thank and honor them. The nurses at McLaren Greater Lansing, however, decided to do what they do best: give of themselves.

Many nurses from McLaren worked together to help those most in need across Greater Lansing by participating in community service activities. Area organizations benefiting from their service included the Meals on Wheels program, The Pines senior living facility and the Greater Lansing Food Bank.

"Nurses are unique, extraordinary people," said Tom Mee, RN, BSN, MBA, president and CEO of McLaren Greater Lansing, who began his own career as an emergency care nurse. "They are doers and are hardwired to contribute and help people. We're certainly extremely proud of all the excellent work our nurses do on a day-to-day basis at McLaren Greater Lansing, as well as the generous community service they chose to bestow to Lansing-based organizations during National Nurses Week."

McLaren Greater Lansing's activities celebrating National Nurses Week included naming and honoring the nurse of the year. This year, the deserving recipient of this accolade was Kristal Richardson, RN.

"As a former nurse, I understand both the challenges and demands of the profession," said Mee. "I tip my hat to Kristal, the rest of the hardworking nurses at McLaren Greater Lansing and all other nurses around the nation who work tirelessly to provide exceptional care to their patients."