May marks the celebration of National Nurse’s Week (May 6-12), along with National Healthcare Week (May 7-13) and National Hospital Week (May 7-13) across the nation. As I have reflected upon the recognition we plan for our employees across our network and across the nation, I am reminded of our foundation of both nursing and human resources.
We all know that Florence Nightingale changed the face of nursing and is recognized for her contribution in moving the nurse from assisting physicians in the care of patients to the educated, highly skilled and respected professionals they are today. But did you know that Australian George Elton Mayo (1880-1949) is considered the father of the Human Relations Movement? Mayo conducted experiments to see how workers were affected by fatigue, work hours and breaks, and is considered one of the most controversial social scientists of his day.
Both Nightingale and Mayo are considered to have influenced and shaped the professions of nursing and human resources (HR) by their dedication to improving the human condition by caring for others. So, as you can see, there is more alignment between our two professions than we might have imagined.
Today, the relationship between nursing and HR professionals in health care is essential in supporting new collaborative models of leadership that are patient-centered and require honesty, integrity, collaboration and a valuable partnership between employer and employee. This is another example of how our professional practice has evolved over the years as a collaborative partner with our clinical leadership.
It is through this clinical/non-clinical relationship that we flourish as a team and contribute in ways to move our organizations through the journey of population health. In addition to this partnership, we are the key "go to" partner for all with whom we interact.
So as you share in the serving and thanking of your clinical teams, know that we too are part of that clinical partnership that will propel our organizations into the future. Remember that the work of Mayo and Nightingale continues today through our important work together as a team. Celebrate and take the time to reflect on where our profession got its roots to grow to what we are today.
All the best!!
