Gratitude Takes Flight at Renown Health in Celebration of Nurses & Hospital Week
May 04, 2020
Renown’s general surgical unit debuts a set of angel wings crafted by staff and their families in Renown’s general surgical unit debuts a set of angel wings crafted by staff and their families in commemoration of Nurses & Hospital Week, May 4–10.
A special piece of artwork in Renown Health’s general surgical unit is bringing color and joy to everyone who walks by. The unit’s new angel wings backdrop is made up of individually-decorated feathers – created by Renown nurses, certified nursing assistants, unit clerks, supervisors, staff’s family members and anyone else who wanted to contribute their creativity. Assembled in celebration of Renown’s Nurses & Hospital Week, observed May 4–10, this angelic backdrop sheds light on some of the things our nurses are most grateful for.
“This art project was a month in the making,” said nurse manager of Renown’s general surgical unit, Deanna Olson. “A true collaborative effort, our staff, and even some of their children, would use their breaks and downtime to cut out and decorate feathers. Some focused on using bright, vibrant colors, while others wrote about what they are grateful for and the things that make them happy.”
Doodles of pets, names of family members and inspirational quotes are just a few of the things featured on the feathers. The names of the 110 employees working in the unit can also be found throughout the angel wings.
The idea behind the backdrop theme was inspired by nurse Melissa Vierra, who spent her last night as part of the general surgical unit working with a few team members to build the angel wings. Vierra now serves as a nursing administrative manager for Renown.
“It takes an angel to be selfless enough to devote oneself to the care of others,” said Vierra. All our angels are as unique as the feathers in the wings, but together, we are united as a team to provide the best care possible for our patients. I am extremely grateful for my nursing family and all the lives they touch, including mine, every day.”
A few Renown nurses joined Vierra in expressing their gratitude:
“I am grateful that I have a job and for everything I have in my life.” – Elizabeth Rios, CNA
“I am grateful for my family.” – Jena Smith, RN
“I am grateful for my health.” – Mary Gutierrez, UC
“I am grateful that I am not sick.” – Barby Workman, CNA
“I am grateful for my life.” – Sierra Genz, RN
“I am grateful for my health.” – Alyssa Daly, RN
“I am grateful to be working.” – Skye Sauls, RN
“I am grateful for my pets and my family.” – Colette Chapman, RN
“I am grateful for the Bob Ross-esque landscapes.” – Tahni Murphy, RN
“I am grateful for my family, my health and having a job that I love.” – Deanna Olson, RN
During times of uncertainty, it’s these things, coupled with our amazing patients and teammates that keep us going,” added Olson. “I’m lucky to have the angel wings right outside my office. Seeing our angels from all departments take photos in front of the wings and hearing the love and happiness in their voices gives me hope to look towards the future – our community is in amazing hands.”
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About Renown Health
Renown Health is a locally governed and locally owned, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. Renown is one of there region’s largest private employers with a workforce of more than 7,000. It comprises three acute care hospitals, a rehabilitation hospital, the area’s most comprehensive medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest and only locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown has a long tradition and commitment to continually improve the care and the health of our community. For more information, visit renown.org.
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