A LETTER TO OUR TAMPA GENERAL NURSES AND THOSE ACROSS THE REGION Dear Nurses, As we begin to celebrate National Nurses Week, I would like to extend a message of appreciation and respect to the nurses across the Tampa General academic health system and all nurses in our region. While I recognize that it takes teams of people to care for our patients, including our physicians, allied health professionals, administrative team and others, I wanted to pause and express gratitude for the nurses and the work you all do every day. The respect I have for nurses is deeply personal, and each year, I write a letter that I read in person to the Tampa General nurses. Last year, I began the tradition of extending the same sentiment to you all, and I hope that my words resonate with you. This year's National Nurses Week theme, "The Power of Nurses," could not be more fitting. I have witnessed firsthand the incredible power you have on patients, their families and the entire health care community. It is a power that goes beyond skills and expertise - it is the power of compassion, resilience and care. Every single day, you consistently demonstrate a level of dedication and professionalism that is truly remarkable. Your commitment to your patients, your colleagues and the mission of healing makes an undeniable impact, not just within the walls of our hospitals and in the ambulatory locations, the clinics and every care setting across our health system, but in the hearts and lives of those you touch. Your presence brings comfort to the anxious, reassurance to the fearful and healing to the hurting. You are there in some of the most vulnerable moments of people's lives, and you deliver not only your expertise but your humanity and kindness. As I reflect on what makes you so special, I think about the countless ways you go above and beyond. It's in the quiet moments of care that might go unnoticed by others - holding a patient's hand when they're scared, offering a kind word to a fellow team member when things seem overwhelming or making an extra effort to ensure that every detail of care is met with excellence. These small but mighty actions embody the essence of nursing and the true power you hold. You are advocates, educators and supporters, both for your patients and for your colleagues. You create a culture of trust and collaboration that makes the hospitals and every care setting across our system not just places of healing but places where people feel genuinely cared for. I am constantly in awe of your ability to handle both the emotional and physical demands of your work with such grace. The strength you show every day, especially in the most trying times, is something that cannot be overstated. It's clear that nursing is not just a job - it's a calling. Your passion for helping others shines through in everything you do, and I do not doubt that you make a lasting difference in the lives of everyone you encounter. This week, as we honor you, I want to take a moment to remind you of how deeply you are appreciated. You are the heart of your organization, and the value you bring to your patients and the entire team is immeasurable. Thank you for being the incredible nurses you are. Thank you for your unwavering dedication, kindness, expertise and selflessness. You have the power to heal not just with your hands but with your heart, and for that, we are all forever grateful. I wish you a happy Nurses Week, and may you continue to feel the pride and joy that comes with the truly remarkable work you do. With the deepest admiration, appreciation, respect and fondness, John D. Couris President & CEO of the Florida Health Sciences Center - Tampa General Hospital Tampa TGH General Hospital. USF Health Morsani College of Medicine Tampa TGH General Hospital. BROOKSVILLE Tampa TGH General Hospital. SPRING HILL Tampa TGH General Hospital CRYSTAL RIVER USF+Tampa General PHYSICIANS BEST HOSPITALS US News 8 SPECIALTIES 2024-2025 BEST REGIONAL HOSPITALS US News TAMPAST PER 2024-2025 TGH InterHealth MEDICAL STAFFING SOLUTIONS Region's Only Academic Health System "University-Based Program A LETTER TO OUR TAMPA GENERAL NURSES AND THOSE ACROSS THE REGION Dear Nurses , As we begin to celebrate National Nurses Week , I would like to extend a message of appreciation and respect to the nurses across the Tampa General academic health system and all nurses in our region . While I recognize that it takes teams of people to care for our patients , including our physicians , allied health professionals , administrative team and others , I wanted to pause and express gratitude for the nurses and the work you all do every day . The respect I have for nurses is deeply personal , and each year , I write a letter that I read in person to the Tampa General nurses . Last year , I began the tradition of extending the same sentiment to you all , and I hope that my words resonate with you . This year's National Nurses Week theme , " The Power of Nurses , " could not be more fitting . I have witnessed firsthand the incredible power you have on patients , their families and the entire health care community . It is a power that goes beyond skills and expertise - it is the power of compassion , resilience and care . Every single day , you consistently demonstrate a level of dedication and professionalism that is truly remarkable . Your commitment to your patients , your colleagues and the mission of healing makes an undeniable impact , not just within the walls of our hospitals and in the ambulatory locations , the clinics and every care setting across our health system , but in the hearts and lives of those you touch . Your presence brings comfort to the anxious , reassurance to the fearful and healing to the hurting . You are there in some of the most vulnerable moments of people's lives , and you deliver not only your expertise but your humanity and kindness . As I reflect on what makes you so special , I think about the countless ways you go above and beyond . It's in the quiet moments of care that might go unnoticed by others - holding a patient's hand when they're scared , offering a kind word to a fellow team member when things seem overwhelming or making an extra effort to ensure that every detail of care is met with excellence . These small but mighty actions embody the essence of nursing and the true power you hold . You are advocates , educators and supporters , both for your patients and for your colleagues . You create a culture of trust and collaboration that makes the hospitals and every care setting across our system not just places of healing but places where people feel genuinely cared for . I am constantly in awe of your ability to handle both the emotional and physical demands of your work with such grace . The strength you show every day , especially in the most trying times , is something that cannot be overstated . It's clear that nursing is not just a job - it's a calling . Your passion for helping others shines through in everything you do , and I do not doubt that you make a lasting difference in the lives of everyone you encounter . This week , as we honor you , I want to take a moment to remind you of how deeply you are appreciated . You are the heart of your organization , and the value you bring to your patients and the entire team is immeasurable . Thank you for being the incredible nurses you are . Thank you for your unwavering dedication , kindness , expertise and selflessness . You have the power to heal not just with your hands but with your heart , and for that , we are all forever grateful . I wish you a happy Nurses Week , and may you continue to feel the pride and joy that comes with the truly remarkable work you do . With the deepest admiration , appreciation , respect and fondness , John D. Couris President & CEO of the Florida Health Sciences Center - Tampa General Hospital Tampa TGH General Hospital . USF Health Morsani College of Medicine Tampa TGH General Hospital . BROOKSVILLE Tampa TGH General Hospital . SPRING HILL Tampa TGH General Hospital CRYSTAL RIVER USF + Tampa General PHYSICIANS BEST HOSPITALS US News 8 SPECIALTIES 2024-2025 BEST REGIONAL HOSPITALS US News TAMPAST PER 2024-2025 TGH InterHealth MEDICAL STAFFING SOLUTIONS Region's Only Academic Health System " University - Based Program