82 MDG to celebrate Nat'l Nurse/Tech Week May 6-12 Published April 23, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Rochelle Jones 82nd Medical Group SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 82d Medical Group celebrates National Nurse/Technician Week May 6 -12 with a weeklong celebration in recognition of our nurses and medical technicians. This year, the theme is "delivering quality and innovation in patient care." "Nurses and technicians touch the lives of many people, in many different ways," said Col Jennifer Agulto, 82nd MDG deputy commander and chief nurse. "This week highlights the impact that is made and recognizes the work that goes into supporting both military members and their families throughout the Air Force" National Nurses Week was first celebrated in 1954. It recognized the 100th anniversary of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing with her work in the Crimean War. Nurses week is an annual commemorative celebration that started in 1991. The week always starts on May 6 and continues going through to the birthday of Florence Nightingale, on the May 12. One of the main goals of the week is to provide an opportunity to highlight the many aspects of nursing. There have been impressive strides in the field of nursing, especially in the deployed environment. As nurses, we are charged with providing the highest caliber of safe care, known as nursing science. However, it is the "Art of Nursing" that often makes the biggest impact. "High tech, high touch" is how Major General Kimberly Siniscalchi, Assistant Air Force Surgeon General, Medical Force Development and Assistant Air Force Surgeon General Nursing Services, described our responsibilities, as well as the ability to reach and care for our patients. The Air Force takes mentoring seriously. In fact, it takes pride in "growing their own." The Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program enables enlisted members interested in obtaining their bachelors of science in nursing to achieve that while remaining on active duty. Upon graduation, they return as 2nd Lieutenants, and registered nurses. It is a wonderful opportunity for Airmen and the Air Force! "Nurse and tech week is important because it recognizes the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices of our nurses and techs, while providing a way for leaders to show appreciation and honor those who have made this sacrifice, " said Chief Master Sgt. Will R. Armagost, senior medical technician and and 4N career field functional manager. "Our medics are highly trained and deploy all over the world to deliver the highest quality medical care to our war fighters. This week is just a way to say thanks to our mighty medics." The Sheppard clinic has a combined 96 nurse practitioners, registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses, emergency medical technicians and medical technicians working throughout all the clinics, plus family advocacy and mental health. If you happen to visit the medical group this week, consider taking a moment to thank the nurses and medical technicians for the efforts they make in providing care to you and your loved ones. For more information on National Nurses Week, click here.