Message from Dean Sanford

2020: The Year of the Nurse (Heroes)

Wow! What a year this has been. Who would have thought that 2020 would bring such grief and heartache, and total transformation of our everyday lives? I think it is a blessing that we don’t know what the future holds or we would have 'run for the hills!' We moved all classes online, had virtual clinical, bought new home office furniture, laughed at seeing everyone’s pets and shared any comic we could find that was halfway funny on Facebook just to bring each other a smile. We comforted each other when the tears came and encouraged one another that we would make it through. We grieved the loss of family members or friends and many of us have suffered through the virus ourselves. Now we see the light at the end of the tunnel as vaccine distribution is upon us.

Throughout this extraordinary and challenging year, you have remained true. Faculty, you gave your students the best you had and students, you gave your learning experiences the best you had. We’ve cheered during three virtual pinning ceremonies, attended clinical in tough circumstances, and celebrated, though with sadness, as several faculty and staff retired. We’ve hired new faculty and developed a 3-year strategic plan, extraordinary really, considering that it is hard to vision when lives are threatened by this virus.

I hope you enjoy some of the latest news from the UMMC School of Nursing. Please know that though we are dealing with the pandemic, we are still here and serving and teaching our students to become the best nurses possible.

We can say with total assurance that 2020 has surely been the Year of the Nurse. The dedication and perseverance of our nursing colleagues has been remarkable. We also watched our students graduate and begin practice on COVID-19 units with great enthusiasm to contribute. I remain so impressed with all that you do and the commitment that you have to our patients and each other. I hope your holidays are extra special this year. Thank you for being our 2020 Year of the Nurse Heroes!

Julie Sanford, DNS, RN, FAAN
Dean, UMMC School of Nursing