I have spent the better part of the last two decades working in a hospital settings ranging from County facilities to large private hospitals and community hospitals. I have worked days, weekends, holidays and overnights. I’ve worked 30 hour shifts and at 2 in the morning. I’ve watched more sunrises over ambulance bays that I care to recall. But in all of that, I can assure you that I was never, ever even close to being the hardest working person in the hospital. That distinction goes to the nurses. Imagine 12 hours on your feet, multiple patients, dressing changes, wound checks, family members, medication reconciliation, interpreting vital signs, laboratory data and (worst of all..) – interacting with doctors! Then coming in the next day and doing it all over again.

When I think of nurses I often think of the Bob Thaves’ quote about Ginger Rogers. He said, “Sure he [Fred Astaire] was great but don’t forget that Ginger Rogers did everything he did, …backwards and in high heels.”

Hospital nurses never stop moving. I’ve seen them cross picket lines to check on patients and come in on days off to help discharge a patient who they cared for during a lengthy stay. As a testament to their professionalism, I have no doubt whatsoever that a nursing staff would care for Senator Walsh in exactly the same professional manner that they would any other patient – even if made aware of her above statement.