With the advent of May and the annual celebration of the profession of Nursing, this year's recognition takes on a deeper significance as we reflect on the stories and images of nurses from our own families, hometowns and across the world, demonstrating their training, education, and skills throughout the pandemic. In 2020, nurses were stretched in ways unlike any we have seen in our lifetime. Every day, the science was giving us new information and treatments around how to manage patients infected with Covid-19. Nurses remained nimble and flexible, learning very quickly about new medications and interventions to save lives. They demonstrated these skills with precision and accuracy all while continuing to help patients remain calm, feel safe and to help a patient and their loved one's transition from this world by providing a warm touch and a kind word. We often wonder, where that inner strength comes from, how they could continue day after day to come to work, do their job and remain so caring.  It is then that we remember that people who choose to pursue a career in Nursing bring with them a commitment and compassion to each human being. Today and every day we celebrate and thank you for all that you do to care for our whole being while we also pause to remember those nurses who we lost to Covid-19.

May your spirit, commitment and compassion only grow stronger from the adversities you have faced.