A Dedicated Nurse Makes All the Difference

A kind and attentive nurse makes all the difference in the lives of those they treat. Nurses improve a person’s experience when in need of care by providing a welcoming environment, a compassionate ear, and confidence in the fact that needs are being met with an exceptional level of care. They create a feeling of comfort and safety.

The week of May 6th-12th marks National Nurses Week, honoring the significant contributions nurses make. Nurses are recognized as highly skilled individuals who are extremely dedicated to their craft and to their patients. The success of modern nursing dates all the way back to Florence Nightingale, who first introduced hygiene protocols and other measures during the Crimean War. The International Council of Nurses established May 12 as International Nurses Day in 1974–and in 1994, it was extended to a week-long celebration.

In senior living communities like Benchmark, nurses play an integral role in our residents’ experience. They create a bond with our seniors by developing meaningful relationships and mutual trust. Our nurses have a clear passion for their jobs, an empathy for our residents and their families, and provide detailed, individualized care.

Benchmark wants to extend our sincere thanks to all the nurses who work in our senior living communities. We also want to acknowledge two nurses in particular who were recognized at Benchmark’s Gala annual awards ceremony–where we celebrated exceptional employees. Allen Smith, Regional Director of Nursing, received the 2020 Unsung Hero Award; and Angie Silverstein, Director of Nursing, received the 2020 Beacon Award. The Unsung Hero Award honors a home office associate who routinely demonstrates our values “behind the spotlight,” while the Beacon Award honors the community supervisor or department head who has gone above and beyond to model the Benchmark values: Called to Care, Better Together and Be the Benchmark in their daily work.

Allen and Angie, as well as all of our nurses, have excelled on a daily basis, providing personal care to our residents. Not only do Benchmark residents appreciate their care, but it means the world to their families as well as to the associates who have the pleasure of working alongside them. Nurses provide a sense of peace that there is someone caring tirelessly for beloved family members in Benchmark communities every day.

Nursing care is just one way Benchmark delivers on our promise of exceptional senior care. The bond they create with our seniors is a testament to true human connection that positively impacts mental as well as physical wellbeing.

We appreciate the unparalleled dedication our nurses provide to our communities. This week, and every week of the year, we celebrate these devoted individuals who care so much and so deeply for our deserving seniors.