Thank you, nurses!

Today marks the third day of Nurses Week (May 6-12), and we want to take a moment to recognize the unparalleled contributions of our nursing teams.

Thank you to all nurses working tirelessly across the UW Medicine system. We are humbled by your commitment to your patients, your compassion, and your resilience and courage in the face of such an unprecedented situation. And an extra thank you to the nurses caring for COVID-19 patients. We know it must be difficult not to be able to interact with your patients the way you normally do. Never doubt that the care you provide is valued — and recognizable even behind all the PPE.

Read the heartfelt messages for nurses that people left on our Facebook page. For anyone who would like to share a thank you or note of encouragement with our nursing team, you can post a message on the UW Medicine Kudoboard.

Caring for COVID-19 patients, in photos

Seattle-based photographer David Ryder, whose work we shared in a previous email, has taken more photographs for Reuters of the COVID-19 pandemic. This time his work focused on our special ICUs for COVID-19 patients at UW Medical Center – Montlake. We love how the humanity of the incredible team shows through in these photographs, despite the walls, masks and other protective equipment. See the photos.

A donation roundup

Our Advancement team compiled a page listing all the restaurants, small businesses, companies and individuals who have donated food to our teams on the front lines. We appreciate how many people have helped make sure our providers had warm meals or fun snacks. Take a look at the list, and thank you to everyone who has donated.

Kind words of the week

“Thank you for your selflessness, compassion and incredible bravery. When I look for light during this time, I simply have to look at you all. Words are not enough: but you will be remembered for our lifetimes as the ones who kept the world turning, and who gave us hope.” — Jewel Evenson (from our Kudoboard)

Face masks have gone to the dogs

Brighten your day with these photos from Airlift Northwest flight nurse Derek Weiss showcasing the crew’s faithful pups wearing protective face masks.

We hope you all have a nice weekend — and please take a moment to thank a nurse who has made a difference in your life.