Nurses are accustomed to comforting patients and families through loss, but when they lose one of their own, it hurts in a unique, palpable way. Fortunately, they can count on each other.

Shana Parks works in the Colorectal Surgery Clinic and she is one of the latest group of DAISY Award winners at VUMC.

Nurses Week at all VUMC hospitals and clinics is a special time. Here are just a few scenes from this year's celebration.

Rhonda Bryant, LPN, works in in the inpatient unit at Vanderbilt Tullahoma-Harton Hospital. She is one of the latest group of DAISY Award winners at VUMC.

Denise Zickgraf and her daughter, Victoria Garcia, support new mothers and each other

The presentation focused on the essential value of fundamental nursing care, connecting and being present with patients, and attending to their basic care needs, such as nutrition, mobility and oral health.

This year as we recognize Nurses Week, I want to express my gratitude to each of you for the compassionate care you provide every day. The impact you have on our patients and their families — uplifting their lives — is immeasurable.