DES MOINES, Iowa – As Iowa continues facing a shortage of health care workers, hospitals and colleges across the state are recognizing nurses during National Nurses Week while also working to grow the future workforce.
At MercyOne Des Moines, nurses have been celebrated throughout the week with events including cuddle breaks with service dogs, cake and free coffee.
“Nurses are the backbone of health care. Nurses are probably the one constant you see in whatever health care experience you happen to be having,” said Chris Courtney, MercyOne Chief Nursing Officer. “Our nurses are exceptional. They keep coming every single day despite what’s happening. They work really, really hard. And ultimately, they take exceptional care of patients, and it’s busy.”…