Nurses Week at Denver College of Nursing

Denver College of Nursing students and faculty rejoiced in a week of celebration for the nursing profession

Denver College of Nursing hosted five days of activities for students to enjoy in dedication of Nurses Week 2017. Throughout the year, students are enriched with a challenging education. During Nurses Week, students are reminded of the impact they will have on their community and the valued career they are entering.

Bethany Gresham, DCN student, who participated in nurses week says, “Denver College of Nursing possesses a culture that makes students feel important and valued as future nurses. Without the support of our faculty and staff, we as students would not have the success and love for our learning and chosen career that we do. Part of nurses week is saying thank you to nurses everywhere, but I think it's important for us to say thank you to the DCN faculty who teach us too.” Nurses Week at DCN celebrates current nurses and future nurses.

The week began with a presentation from Baby + Co., a birth center in Wheat Ridge staffed with midwives. The center was founded in 2013 to offer women advanced care, while respecting every woman’s choice and birth wishes. The birth center offers health, nutritional, and emotional support that is evidence based. Students learned the importance of nurses to empower patients and felt inspired to see the difference they can make by providing holistic care and education.

On Tuesday, students gathered for a pizza party in the commons area, which is usually crowded with opened textbooks and study groups meeting. Students casually interact with instructors, and upper classman students shared words with wisdom with beginning nursing students. “Having these activities and social gatherings allows the students to have more trust in their school and teachers, and it can take away the everyday stresses we often face! I also like that the faculty is so involved and invested in our education. It feels as if my instructors sincerely care about my education as they deeply care for patient’s lives”, says DCN student Erin Morgan.

On Wednesday, DCN hosted a family feud trivia game and catered Jason’s Deli lunch. “Instructors at DCN educate students with the understanding that we are the nurses of tomorrow and will be taking care of them one day. There is a mutual respect and learning on both sides since evidenced based nursing practice is always changing”, says DCN student Taylor Caldwell. Instructors take an invested interest in their student’s education, personal well-being, and career goals. Trivia games participation is a fun, team environment for students and staff to be fun and competitive together.

On Thursday, DCN hosted an Ice Cream social and on Friday, DCN hosted a rooftop BBQ Potluck for all to attend. Faculty share their stories and career experiences with students. Students interact and gain new perspectives to all the different nursing pathways.

The gathering of hundreds of nurses throughout a week, from novice student nurses to experience faculty nurses at DCN, keeps the nursing profession culture alive. Student nurses are motivated to learn more and positively impact the life of every patient they touch. Faculty nurses are reminded of their love for nursing and teaching. Nurses have a profound impact on the local community they care for. Nurses Week is a time to remind every nurse of his/her importance and appreciation.