As our nurses assumed center stage during Year of the Nurse, they were met with the novel coronavirus pandemic forcing them to care for our sick and dying. Even though words cannot adequately express our sentiments, with our deepest gratitude, we thank them. For our nurses, it’s been over 300 days of hardship and heroic acts of care, and words simply pale in comparison.
In addition to our frontline nurses, our Penn State Nursing community has demonstrated extraordinary efforts as we’ve worked through this past year.
Our nursing students have been equally as determined and compassionate as they’ve navigated all the implications of learning during a pandemic. From our nurse practitioner students who helped spearhead contact tracing, to our undergraduate students who participated in virtual simulations, we thank you for trusting us with your education and the integral role you’ve played in managing the virus on campus. Despite the challenges, you’ve been learning and growing, and we are so proud.
Our nursing educators have had a tremendous impact on the educational journey of countless future nurses throughout the pandemic. From taking a vested interest in the health and wellness of your students to the development of numerous resources for nurses on the frontlines, the next generation of nurses is prepared because of you. Your impressive ability to adapt and thrive bridged the gap between in-person and virtual learning, your use of this challenging situation as a learning opportunity resulted in inspirational lessons. You are invaluable to our nursing community and we are grateful you call Penn State Nursing your academic home.
Our College of Nursing staff has been a beacon of hope throughout each and every transition, as their willingness to take on just one more deliverable is a source of pride for our college. Their deep appreciation and understanding for nurses and their critical work are tangible and we couldn’t do it without you.
A big and final thank you to our alumni and friends. We see you donating blood with COVID antibodies and other resources, whether it be clothes, food, or money. We are more inspired by you today than ever before, as we know the nursing spirit that lives within you is only matched by your Penn State Pride!
— Laurie Badzek, dean and professor in the College of Nursing