Dedicated to our communities.

Always learning. Always teaching. Always caring. For every patient and for the future of nursing, you put your heart into everything you do. We’re grateful, we care, and we thank you.

Nurses Week is a chance to shine a spotlight on the most-trusted professionals across the country who devote their lives to the betterment of others' health and quality of life. And it is a chance to reflect on the challenges nurses face. Without nurses, our healthcare system would not be able to function, and so we take this week each year to recognize and celebrate the hard work and critical role nurses play in keeping us all healthy and safe. This is a time to celebrate nurses for the essential role they play in our lives and our health care system.

From caring for our communities throughout the pandemic, to assisting with lifethreatening ER crises to delivering babies and caring for the elderly in their last moments, nurses perform some of the most difficult and heartbreaking tasks in the medical world. As workers who perform the most essential healthcare tasks, nurses serve as the first point of contact for most patients.

We honor their contributions and sacrifices. In this photo essay by Photo Editor Tim Baker we show you some of our valiant nursing heroes.

MAGGIE GLIER, RN

Director of Nursing for Critical Care, Surgery and Oncology Services Mercy Hospital

Maggie Glier, RN, began her career as a staff nurse over 40 years ago. She quickly ascended the career ladder to her present director position, but never forgets her roots. She is always willing to put on a pair of scrubs to help out when needed. Maggie is a devoted colleague and leader of Mercy’s outstanding nursing team.

The Catholic Health Cancer Care Center at Mercy is the heart and soul of Maggie. Being a cancer survivor herself, she has worked tirelessly to build a beautiful free-standing infusion center that addresses the patients’ physical, spiritual and — at times — economic needs. Maggie is also committed to mentoring the staff, including offering on-site educational opportunities. Maggie followed in her mother’s footsteps and became a nurse because she saw her making a difference and helping the most vulnerable.