The story of modern nursing begins over 160 years ago. Florence Nightingale came into notoriety during the American Civil War. She is credited with saving many lives with her organizational skills, and the proper handling of the wounded soldiers in her care.

She was far more than a nurse; she saw the need to do many things when working with the wounded and organizing those early nursing programs.

Today nursing has evolved since Nightingale’s time into professionally trained nurses with many different skill levels. At WVU Wetzel County Hospital, currently there are eighty-four nurses on staff. Each nurse generally works in one area of the hospital, and brings a high level of patient care to their given area. They staff the emergency room, and are the first line in bringing critical care to patients who are in immediate need of care. Other nurses assist surgeons in the operating room with delicate skilled understanding of the patients’ needs and also knowing the needs of the doctor during the procedure.

The Wetzel County Hospital Nursing Director, Angela Delaney explained, May 5 through May 12, is National Nursing week. It is meant to celebrate nurses and staff who go without recognition at times for their valuable service to patients.

Mrs. Delaney explained that during the week, nurses and staff are treated to a variety of ways to show to them the appreciation they deserve. With the hospital having an inhouse Starbucks coffee shop that is used by the staff, they are treated to 50% off the shop’s offerings. They held a blessing of the hands to bring recognition to the hands of care givers in bringing care to patients. Ice Cream treats, drinks, prizes and gifts are part of the ways appreciation is shown.

All of these tokens of appreciation are small in comparison to the appreciation by hospital management, and visiting patients. The many skills and kind care nurses dispensed every day of the year can only be understood, when patients smile and hold the hand of their nurse and whisper, “Thank You.”

Hospital nurses handle inpatient care services, along with the cardiac care unit, along with ICU. Each department requires a skilled knowledge of patients’ needs for their individual procedures.

The hospital also has many outpatient services that see to the needs of patients for services or treatment and then return home.

Nurses are trained to different skill levels. LPN Licensed Practical Nurses provide essential nursing care, support healthcare teams, and ensure patient comfort in various healthcare settings.

A Registered Nurse (RN) is a licensed healthcare professional responsible for assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating patient care while collaborating with physicians and healthcare teams. There are six levels of RNs. They advance with training and skills from level 1 to level 6.

Director Delaney explained, after a week to honor and recognize our nurses, we will be celebrating Hospital week, designed to recognize all the hospital staff. The management team at the hospital recognizes that to have a smooth functioning operation, the people who provide that service must feel that they are appreciated for their dedication and service.

One-hundred and sixty years ago, Florence Nightingale knew that caring for the sick and injured was a difficult task for those who took on the challenge. She also recognized that good patient care begins with a caring nurse. Today, Wetzel County WVU hospital works hard to carry on those ideals and provide the very best care, and service possible with trained nurses and staff.