Amber Garren, left, 628th Aerospace Medical Squadron flight medicine nurse, stands with Capt. Tomeka Jones, 628th Aerospace Medical Squadron Flight Medicine nurse, May 7, 2019, at Joint Base Charleston’s 628th Medical Group. “Being a nurse means being compassionate, loving and paying it forward,” said Jones. Garren added, “The hands-on patient care and interaction is my favorite part of being a nurse.” Joint Base Charleston is celebrating Nurse’s Week May 6-12 in honor of National Nurse’s Day. In January 1974, May 12 was chosen to celebrate the day as it is the anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.

Marie Allen, left, 628th Medical Operations Squadron family health registered nurse, works alongside Candy Dybowski, right, 628th Medical Operations Squadron Family Health licensed practical nurse, May 7, 2019, at Joint Base Charleston’s 628th Medical Group. “For me being a nurse means care, compassion and help for our patients the way I would want someone to care for me,” said Allen. Dybowski added, “I think for me being a nurse is making sure that if someone is in pain you help them and make them feel better.” Joint Base Charleston is celebrating Nurse’s Week May 6-12 in honor of National Nurse’s Day. In January 1974, May 12 was chosen to celebrate the day as it is the anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.

Tee Bennett, 628th Medical Operations Squadron pediatrics nurse, stands in an exam room May 7, 2019, at Joint Base Charleston’s 628th Medical Group. “What it means to be a nurse is to be the patients advocate,” said Bennett. “I strive personally to be a one-stop-shop for my patients, providing them with everything they need." Joint Base Charleston is celebrating Nurse’s Week May 6-12 in honor of National Nurse’s Day. In January 1974, May 12 was chosen to celebrate the day as it is the anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.

Maj. Erika Robertson, 628th Medical Operations Squadron family health nurse practitioner, listens to the heart of a simulated patient May 7, 2019, at Joint Base Charleston’s 628th Medical Group. “To be a nurse to me means taking care of those who can’t care for themselves,” said Robertson. “I love taking care of my patients and it is an honor to be able to care for those that are protecting our nation.” Joint Base Charleston is celebrating Nurse’s Week May 6-12 in honor of National Nurse’s Day. In January 1974, May 12 was chosen to celebrate the day as it is the anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.

Senior Airman Samantha Thompson, 628th Medical Operations Squadron family health medical technician, places a blood pressure cuff onto a simulated patient May 7, 2019, at Joint Base Charleston’s 628th Medical Group. “It is all about the patients for me,” said Thompson. “I am currently enrolled in nursing school, so getting this hands-on experience is providing me the training I need for my future.” Joint Base Charleston is celebrating Nurse’s Week May 6-12 in honor of National Nurse’s Day. In January 1974, May 12 was chosen to celebrate the day as it is the anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.

Navy Lt. Timothy Delaughter, chaplain, left, blesses the hands of Naval Health Clinic Charleston nurse and interim director of NHCC Healthcare Business, Lt. Cdr. Mike Cornell, during a "Blessing of the Hands" ceremony May 7, 2019, at NHCC located on Joint Base Charleston - Weapons Station, S.C., in celebration of National Nurses Week May 6-12. The "Blessing of the Hands" ceremony, a hospital tradition practiced around the world during Nurses Week, honors nurses who use their hands in many ways to bring healing to patients.

Air Force Lt. Col. Robert Johnson, 628th Air Base Wing chaplain, right, blesses the hands of Naval Health Clinic Charleston nurse, Lt. j.g. Lakesa Williams, during a "Blessing of the Hands" ceremony May 7, 2019, at NHCC located on Joint Base Charleston - Weapons Station, S.C., in celebration of National Nurses Week May 6-12. The "Blessing of the Hands" ceremony, a hospital tradition practiced around the world during Nurses Week, honors nurses who use their hands in many ways to bring healing to patients.