I will never forget sitting in a large conference room almost 30 years ago, watching a video describing the profession of nursing, and hearing a woman who would later become my good friend and now, CNO at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, say plainly, simply and poignantly: “Everybody needs a nurse.”

That statement rang true then. It rings true now. And it resonates with all of us – regardless of our age, our background, our health status or our resources. It was starkly visible during the COVID pandemic. It is crystal clear as our society ages.

Those of us privileged enough to work with Suburban nurses recognize that they not only fill multiple critical needs, they exceed all norms with regard to clinical excellence, engagement and compassion. They are constantly recognized by patients and families for bringing their best selves to work and impacting lives positively – even in a family’s darkest hours.

So, thank you to each of our nurses at Suburban for reducing suffering and extending caring far beyond what is required to do a good job. We are so grateful you are here. We need you.

With gratitude,
Carolyn