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Committed and compassionate: Devereux celebrates nurses during observances in May

Poet, author and civil rights activist Maya Angelou once said, “As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul and body of our patients, their families and ourselves. They may not remember your name, but they will never forget the way you made them feel.”

At Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, we are honoring our nearly 300 nurses whose courage, compassion and calm and steady presence give strength to the children, adolescents and adults they serve every day.

We salute these extraordinary individuals during the following annual observances – and all year long:

• National Nurses Month: May
• National Nurses Week: May 6-12
• National Nurses Day: May 6

“The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical role nurses play in the health and well-being of those in their care,” said Devereux Senior Vice President and Chief Clinical/Medical Officer Yolanda Graham, M.D. “We want to thank these selfless servant leaders who are on the front lines, working tirelessly to improve the lives of the youth and adults they serve, and motivating their colleagues and all those around them to reach even greater heights. Their steadfast commitment to meeting the needs of our individuals and families, and fostering a culture of customer service excellence, serves as an inspiration to us all.”

Recognizing our nurses

In honor of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated 2020 as the “Year of the Nurse and Midwife.” Due to the impact of COVID-19, the WHO extended the “Year of the Nurse and Midwife” into 2021 to recognize nurses for their significant contributions.

In addition, the American Nurses Association (ANA) Enterprise is expanding the traditional National Nurses Week, which begins each year on May 6 and ends on May 12, Nightingale’s birthday, to a month of recognition for the second year in a row.

Putting people first

Devereux’s nurses touch the lives of those they serve in remarkable ways. Look below to find out what just a few of them love most about their jobs.

“I love our individuals. I love working in behavioral health with people who have often faced adversity. I have learned how to be empathetic and a better person by taking care of others.”
– Devereux Arizona Nurse Manager Lacy Garth

“To me, being a nurse is about passion – a passion to serve others; deliver the best care; enhance the well-being and safety of others; and serve as an advocate for others. Nursing is a deeply rich and rewarding profession.”
– Devereux California Nurse Manager Lani Fox

“My favorite part of being a nurse is the ability to make a difference in the lives of our youth. They may not always remember my name, but people remember the nurses who were compassionate and kind.”
– Devereux Colorado Nurse Patricia Grajeda

“I love seeing the youth we serve progress in the program, until the time of discharge. Saying goodbye is bittersweet, but knowing how much they improved gives me great satisfaction – that’s why we do what we do!”
– Devereux Georgia Nurse Valerie Tapper

“I am proud of my profession, and always proud to say I am a nurse. I value our incredible team of nurses, our medical staff and the work we do. The positive impact we can make on others is invaluable.”
– Devereux Massachusetts/Rhode Island Nursing Manager Rebecca Nichols

Join our nursing team!

Want to make a difference in the lives of youth and adults with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences? Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health is hiring nurses to work alongside other dedicated behavioral health professionals who share a passion for helping individuals in need. Visit jobs.devereux.org to explore our career opportunities today.

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