Dear Colleagues,

It is my privilege to share with you the Sentara Healthcare 2019 Nursing Annual Report. One of the reasons we publish this report is to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of the nursing professionals throughout the system. We measure these activities – through the data we collect on patient-sensitive outcomes, career progression and scholarly dissemination. The intangible contributions of our nursing team are just as important to celebrate. So, as you review the data presented in this year’s report, I also encourage you to read the stories of just a few of our exceptional nurses, because we are most appreciative of the people behind the progress.

The World Health Organization designated 2020 as the International Year of the Nurse in recognition of the 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth. Who would have predicted our world would be turned upside down by COVID-19?  As we enter this year dedicated to our profession, one wonders what the new normal for nursing will be. 

Whether you are a bedside nurse, an educator, a leader or in some other position at Sentara, you play a vital role in helping provide nursing excellence. Each and every one of you contributes to the overall mission of Sentara nursing – and I want to personally thank you for that.

This year we explore the theme of “This is Nursing.” We asked our colleagues throughout the system what it means to be a Sentara nurse. As you will discover in this report, we are protectors…we are lifelong learners…we are collaborators…we are exemplars…we are trailblazers. We are Sentara nurses, we can manage COVID-19, and we improve health every day.

Yours in nursing,

Genemarie McGee, MS, BSN, RN, NEA-BC
Corporate Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, Sentara Healthcare