Dear Nurses and Colleagues,
On May 12, Florence Nightingale’s birthday, we celebrate nurses around the world. Florence Nightingale is known for laying the foundations of modern nursing; and her dedication, compassion, and perseverance continue to serve as an example to us all.
This day puts the spotlight on a profession that is one of the most important pillars of healthcare and without which patient care would be unimaginable. And those who, through their selfless work, demonstrate day after day that nursing is not merely a job, but a presence, not just professional knowledge, but attention, patience, humanity, and compassion. You are the ones who are present even in the most difficult moments: when comfort and encouragement are needed, when reaffirming faith in recovery is of utmost importance.
Semmelweis University, as a healthcare institution, could not function without your dedicated service. Every year, millions of patients visit our clinical facilities, and you are part of each and every one of their stories. Not only as professionals, but also as a source of support, comfort, and hope. In many cases, you are the driving force behind the healthcare team, coordinating and organizing patient care.
Nursing is one of the most challenging, yet one of the most rewarding professions. It requires a level of commitment that goes beyond day-to-day tasks. Your work is indispensable and represents a value that no technology can replace.
We’d like to give you a special greeting today, but in truth, we are grateful to you every day of the year. Because every day of the year, every hour of the day, you are there when we need you. In doing so, you prove the truth of Gandhi’s beautiful saying: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
Thank you for your perseverance, compassion, and dedication!
May God bless nurses today and every day of the year!
Dr. Béla Merkely
Rector
Dr. Attila Szabó
President of the Clinical Center
