CARIBOU, Maine — Cary Medical Center will mark National Nurses Week May 6-12 and National Hospital Week May 12-18. These events are nationally recognized by hospitals around the country and Kris Doody, RN and CEO at Cary Medical Center, said that it is a wonderful time to acknowledge the efforts of the entire hospital community.
“It has been a long few years,” said Doody, referring to the recent pandemic. “The struggles and challenges faced by hospitals, including Cary Medical Center, really demonstrated the critical role we play in the public health of the communities we serve. Staff at hospitals across the country performed in a very heroic way as did our team here at Cary.”
Cary currently employs some 179 nurses and 50 certified nurse assistants. According to Doody, the demand for nurses has never been greater.
“The need for nurses is truly growing every day,” she said. “The growing aging population, the need for both in hospital and out of hospital patient care, new technologies and medicines that are helping people live longer, all of these factors are contributing to the need for more nurses.”
Doody also said that the hospital is very reliant on nurse training provided by local colleges and universities. Every year the hospital benefits from new graduates from the two- or four-year degree programs.
“We have been very fortunate to attract a number of new graduates, many who have done their clinical training at Cary,” said Doody. “New grads bring that passion and energy to the hospital and our nurses provide comprehensive orientation and extend a warm welcome to the new staff. Having the nurses training here in the County is absolutely critical.”
Throughout Nurses Week the hospital will offer special activities to recognize and thank nursing staff for their work with patients and families. Jenn Plant, RN, chief nursing officer at Cary, said that National Nurses Week gives the hospital a chance to acknowledge the efforts of nurses and to celebrate the critical importance of the work that they do.
“The activity level here at the hospital is very busy,” said Plant. “From our acute care unit to intensive care, obstetrics, surgical services and our emergency department, staff have really been remarkable. The Jefferson Cary Cancer Center has also seen impressive growth. Our nursing staff in the Cancer Center have contributed to the success of this service and we are so appreciative of the excellent care they provide to so many in our community.”
Among the activities during hospital week is a “Zen Room”. “We do this throughout the week,” said Plant. “This is set up in our Chan Center and nurses can come to the room at any time to relax, enjoy soft music, tea and coffee. This has been a big hit with our staff”.
Immediately following Nurse Week the hospital will be celebrating National Hospital Week. According to the American Hospital Association, National Hospital Week takes place during the week of Florence Nightingale’s birthday, which is on May 12, and will take place from May 12-18 this year. The holiday was established by the American Hospital Association to shine a spotlight on our many hospitals, health systems, and health care workers who strive to save lives daily.
In addition to the care provided by hospitals 24 hours a day, 365 days a year the economic impact of hospitals is impressive.
Here in Maine hospitals represent more than 21 percent of all private employment in the state with more than 37,000 workers. Hospitals also support additional jobs through its local purchasing, construction projects and other activities. For every hospital job an additional one job is created. Taken together, hospitals are responsible for more than 77,000 jobs in the state. Doody said that the Caribou Hospital is the City’s largest employer.
“With more than 500 full and part-time jobs Cary is the largest employer in Caribou,” she said. “The financial impact that the hospital has on the community and region is significant. From bringing new professionals and families into the community to new housing construction, school enrollment, there are many ways the hospital benefits our region. The diversity of jobs at the hospital is remarkable. From clinical positions to the many support departments, the hospital offers a world of opportunity. The growth of Information Technology has opened up an entirely new realm for high value jobs”.
Cary Medical Center currently has a number of clinical and non-clinic positions available. To learn more about employment opportunities visit carypinesjobs.org. Cary has been recognized as one of the top 100 places to work in Maine for three years in a row.
During National Hospital Week Cary will celebrate with a number of activities including the launch of the 100 Miles in 100 Days Fitness Challenge, Local Media Breakfast, Clergy Appreciation Luncheon, and the annual employee appreciation barbecue.
For information or to register for the 100 Miles in 100 Days Fitness Challenge visit carymedicalcenter.org or call 207-498-1361.
