As nurses, whether new or experienced, we each have unique powers that enable us to provide exceptional care and advance the nursing profession. These powers manifest in our daily tasks—passing medications, performing skills, ambulating or bathing patients, communicating with patients and families, and collaborating with the healthcare team. They are also seen in more critical moments, such as caring for a decompensating patient, comforting a dying patient, providing compassion for grieving families, or advocating for patients even when it feels challenging.

Nurses Week is May 6-12, 2025, and it's the perfect time to recognize the incredible contributions of nurses everywhere. While many nurses utilize their powers at the bedside, others use their strengths in a number of ways. Some teach and mentor new nurses, lead nursing teams, innovate to enhance patient care and nursing processes, or manage patient care behind the scenes. The versatility of nursing allows us to make a significant impact on countless individuals and offers endless opportunities for growth and contribution. Nursing is a special, unique, and rewarding profession. The dedication nurses show to themselves, their teams, and their patients is exceptional.

In celebration of Nurses Week, we dedicate our May episode of the Beyond Nurse Residency podcast to sharing the incredible power of our nurse residents! As a new nurse, they might feel like they're just trying to stay afloat, absorbing as much knowledge and experience as possible. However, even in the early stages of their careers, new nurses are able to make a big impact. They constantly think of new ideas to alleviate daily frustrations, improve their practice and processes, and enhance patient care. The work our nurse residents do throughout the program is truly remarkable. We are incredibly proud of each resident, past and current, who has been a part of our program and the positive changes they have implemented in such a short time.

To all nurses, the nursing profession wouldn't be the same without you. Your contributions, both big and small, make a world of difference. Thank you for your commitment to this profession and the unique powers you bring to nursing. Happy Nurses Week!

Amanda Bruscher, MSN, RN
Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program Coordinator
amanda-bruscher@uiowa.edu
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