National Nurses Week: Nurses Make the Difference

National Nurses Week is May 6-12, and the Texas A&M University School of Nursing is putting the spotlight on our exceptional Aggie nurses. In honor of this year’s national theme, we asked some students, faculty and staff how “Nurses Make the Difference.”

Sarah Dailey, BSN, RN ’11
Nurse Home Visitor, Nurse-Family Partnership at Texas A&M

Nursing isn’t just about taking care of someone when they are “sick.” It is so much more than that. We are a hand to hold when the patient or family is in pain, scared, nervous or grieving. Nurses are a guiding light in the darkness when the patient or family really don’t know what is going to happen, or how they are going to get through whatever it is they are going through. They look up and see a nurse, there to comfort, explain, educate and care for them no matter what. Our passion for serving others selflessly is what makes a difference.

Crystal Conner, BSN, RNC-OB, CA-SANE, CP-SANE, SANE-A, SANE-P ’24
Master of Science in Nursing-Forensic Nursing Student
Houston, Texas

One of the main reasons I chose nursing is because it’s the heart of health care. Nurses are not only concerned about physical health but also the mental and emotional well-being of patients. Patients are not just seen, they’re also heard while in our care. Nurses are part of the health care team saving lives every day, but they’ll also sit at your bedside and hold your hand so that you don’t feel alone. Nurses make a difference because they truly have servants’ hearts.

Adrian Luong ’24
Second-Degree BSN Student
North Richland Hills, Texas

Nursing doesn’t just make a difference in a single action or deed. It makes a difference in the span of hours, days or even weeks that nurses care for their patients. It’s the ability to look after people during every step of their emergencies, their worst days and their recoveries that makes this profession special.

Wendy Greenwood, DNP, MS, APRN, AGCNS-BC, CPAN, CNOR
Clinical Assistant Professor

Nurses make a difference by paying attention to opportunities to elevate practice and improve outcomes. We participate in actively assessing, treating and restoring the health of our patients while teaching them about their conditions and promoting health and longevity. We elevate practices by noting areas of knowledge deficits and actively promote evidence-based practice to improve patient care outcomes and workflow improvements. We mentor others, whether fellow nurses or our interprofessional team members, to promote collegiality and problem-solving to bring together all views to encourage a positive and cohesive work environment that is patient centered.

Alejandra Moreno ’24
Traditional BSN Student
College Station, Texas

Nursing makes a difference by providing holistic care for every individual. We are not only trained to treat immediate needs, but we are also taught to look beyond the surface and question any factors that cause potential harm to our patients. Our trusted profession aims to change the course of patient health for the better.

Ali Wurster, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Nurse Practitioner, Texas A&M School of Nursing Mobile Clinic

Nursing makes a difference through service. As a nurse practitioner, I strive to holistically serve every patient I encounter with compassion and respect, ensuring they feel heard and the care they receive is high quality. I place great emphasis on establishing trust as the foundation for every interaction, and I believe that is how we, as nurses, make the greatest impact.

Deb O’Briant, DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Clinical Assistant Professor

Nurses are often the people in health care who spend the most time with patients, regardless of what setting they are in. A kind word, a voice of hope, a hand squeeze or a listening heart can make such a difference when others are having a tough day. They are the ones who bring in a cup of water to a parched throat, a vial of pain meds when pain becomes unbearable and a calm positive voice when things seem hopeless and terrifying. Nurses advocate for others when they need it. I am so glad I chose this profession and get to work with others who chose the same path, as they inspire me daily.