Patty Taylor

Firefighters and police officers are commemorated with medals and applauded in the media for their life-saving tactics and bravery. Teachers are honored for their influence in developing their students and maintaining excellence in education. Of course, all of this recognition is well-deserved, but what about the life-saving care that millions of nurses provide every day? The recognition they receive is scarce at best.

According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, there are 3.1 million registered nurses in America. Every day, these nurses tirelessly offer comfort and security to patients and their families. And, as hospital or long-term care residents and visitors know, nurses are often the primary caregivers. While most doctors spend 20 minutes or less per day with patients in a hospital, nurses are at patients’ beck and call during their entire 8 to 12 hour shifts. Whether a nurse works in a large hospital, small clinic, busy emergency room, intense operating room, medical office or long-term care setting, she or he is an integral part of patient care. Nurses make sure the right procedures are carried out, the right medications are delivered at the correct times, and offer constant compassion and empathy.

Ansell, a world leader in protection solutions, recognizes the often overlooked efforts of this inspiring group and has decided to reward the nurses who go above and beyond with the Ansell H.E.R.O. Nurse Service Award. The H.E.R.O. Nurse Service Award is the company’s way of showing appreciation for these unsung heroes by acknowledging their tireless contributions as caregivers, patient advocates, researchers, and teachers.  Nominations are currently being accepted.

US residents over the age of 18 are encouraged to nominate their nurse heroes online at www.ansellhealthcare.com/facebook from now until May 26. On May 27, voting begins and will continue until June 30. The 10 nominees with the most votes will win the H.E.R.O. Nurse Service Award, which includes online recognition on the Ansell website, a commemorative plaque, and a nursing reference book of the winner’s choice (maximum value of book $200). The person who nominated each winner will also win a year’s subscription to a nursing magazine of their choice (maximum value $50). No purchase necessary.  Void where prohibited.  More details and contest rules can also be found at www.ansellhealthcare.com/facebook.

Patty Taylor, RN, BA, is the vice president of professional education and clinical affairs for Ansell. She has more than 20 years of experience in nursing, focusing on perioperative safety, quality and education.