Nurses at Morristown Medical to Donate $25K to Sandy Relief

This week is national Nurses' Week, and local efforts are underway to recognize the nurses in our communities.

Nurses at Morristown Medical Center will be honored throughout this week but they decided to donate $25,000 to the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund rather than receive a gift for their service.

On Thursday, Morristown Medical Center nurses are invited to a special donation ceremony with New Jersey First Lady Mary Pat Christie at Drumthwacket, the official residence of Gov. Chris Christie.

“The decision to donate to the victims of Hurricane Sandy was made based on nurses’ responses to a survey regarding the choice of a gift versus a donation,” said Trish O’Keefe, chief nursing officer, Morristown Medical Center, part of Atlantic Health System.

“This storm and its aftermath affected us all in different ways, and there are still many who continue to suffer. Nurses at Morristown Medical Center show their expertise, caring and compassion to our patients and families every day, so it’s no surprise that they chose to think of others during a week that celebrates them.”

Morristown Medical Center nursing has been honored nationally. For the third time, the American Nurses Credentialing Center has recognized the center as a Magnet Hospital for Excellence in Nursing Service. Nursing also has received the national Beacon Award for Critical Care Excellence from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses not only in the hospital’s critical care units, but in non-critical areas, as well.

The week kicks off Tuesday with chair massages, courtesy of Atlantic Integrative Medicine and on Wednesday, the pet therapy dogs who participate in Atlantic Health System’s pet therapy program will be highlighted.

Also on Wednesday, the check for the Nurses’ Week donation to the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund will be presented. Nursing awards also will be given for Lifetime Achievement; Partners in Caring; Best Novice Nurse; Best Nursing Team; and Physician Partnership Award.