When I think of my student nurses, it brings me great joy to see such a dedicated and determined group of individuals working diligently to pursue their dream. You embrace the knowledge and apply it to give the best possible care to your patients.  When studying gets frustrating, you don’t give up but you do try harder.  You support fellow students when they are stressed or down and you praise them when praise is due.  There is a bonding that occurs with student nurses that will stay with you throughout your career.  You are the nurses of tomorrow!

Student nurses greatly contribute to the success and stability of the health care institutions and to the mental and physical well being of patients. You not only give your book knowledge, but you give a piece of your heart with each patient.  You have pleasant and compassionate personalities, excellent problem solving skills, and the ability to make fast decisions which is going to make you great nurses with excellent bedside care.

Here are some attributes of a great student nurse:

• A great student nurse isn’t afraid to ask when they don’t know the answer
• A great student nurse puts themselves in the patient’s shoes
• A great student nurse educates and provides as much information as possible to the patient
• A great student nurse stands up for her/himself and colleagues when confronted by obnoxious family members, doctors, managers, etc
• A great student nurse understands that personal time is as important as the work itself
• A great student nurse is there for the patients holding their hands and calming their fears
• A great nurse has compassion and empathy for both patients and colleagues alike.

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your education experience.  This is what I live for!  Watching you grow into the great nurses of the future!  You make me happy and proud to watch you evolve.  Happy Student Nurses Day 2011.