National Nurses Week: Leading the way

by Airman Kristoffer Kaubisch
Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

5/20/2014 - MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D.  -- National Nurses Week was celebrated at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., May 6-12. National Nurses Week celebrates nurses and their role in society.

The week also helped to raise awareness about nursing as a possible career choice and also to educate the public about the kind of work nurses are involved in.

Rommy Talbert, referral management nurse, explained that the nurses and technicians of the 5th Medical Group take pride in what they do.

"It's a great honor to serve and aid those who have served and still serve this wonderful country," said Talbert. "The honor is the same for dependents as well, since they play a huge part in the active duty members being able to stay focused and complete their missions."

The 5th MDG staff contains both military and civilian personnel, who all play key roles in the success of the mission, working together to get the job done, said Airman 1st Class Natasha D. Medeiros, 5th MDG women's health medical technician.

"We, the technicians, have such great working relationships with the nurses and doctors," Medeiros said. "They are an excellent resource and are always willing to train us on new techniques and procedures. Being a United States Air Force medical technician allows us to operate within a scope of practice that is very broad, and I love that about this career field."

Comprised of trusted advisors on health issues, the MDG staff leads the way in reaching out to patients, neighbors, and families.

"If you ever need anything, you can believe that the 5th MDG will provide and deliver compassionate, seamless healthcare to you and your family members," said Tech. Sgt. Dustin Mize, 5th MDG non-commissioned officer of Ambulance Services.

National Nurses Week concluded on May 12, the anniversary of the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the original nurse leader. Please join in all of the following weeks and recognize all members of the nurse's corps across the country for following in Florence's footsteps. Take a moment to thank them for the critical work they do in bringing better care and better health to all Americans.