The annual Nurses Gala and Awards Banquet is tonight, May 10, 2013 at the Spartan Manor in New Port Richey, FL.  This event will recognize outstanding nurses in Pasco County, with proceeds to benefit the Good Samaritan Clinic.  The Good Samaritan Clinic is an outstanding non-profit that provides medical treatment to those in need, regardless of their ability to pay.

As a former professional Paramedic – Firefighter (back in the 1980s, before law school), I have the highest respect and appreciation for the job nurses do on a daily basis.  In fact, while I was training to become a Paramedic, I worked for a year as an EMT at Bayonet Point Hospital, side-by-side with emergency room nurses.  On some occasions, I would be sent to the floor, so I had the opportunity to see all aspects of the vital services nurses perform.  Although my passion was to render acute medical care in the field, many times I would deliver patients that would need nurses around the clock for days or weeks.

I am looking forward to attending the Gala tonight, and congratulations to the all of the nurses nominated this year!