Naval Health Research Center Nurses Celebrate 106 Navy Nursing Years With Rep. Betty McCollum
Honoring 106 years of Navy nursing, Naval Health Research Center's (NHRC) head nurse and commanding officer took part in a Navy Nurse Corps birthday celebration with a distinguished guest and staff, May 13, at NHRC headquarters San Diego.
Navy Nurse Corps Capt. Jacqueline Rychnovsky, Rep. Betty McCollum, Minnesota 4th congressional district, and NHRC staff listened to the birthday messages from leadership across the Navy before hearing personal remarks from McCollum.
"Our Nurse Corps officers fly with wounded from battle-torn areas; provide care in the fleet and on hospital ships; establish native nursing schools, clinics, and small hospitals in remote areas of the world; and administer or command Navy medical treatment facilities worldwide," read NHRC's Director of Operational Infectious Disease Research Cmdr. Gary Brice from the U.S. Navy Surgeon General Vice Adm. Matthew L. Nathan's birthday message. "Our nurses are published and renowned scientists, researchers, teachers, providers and clinicians."
This rings true for NHRC's nursing staff. Scientific research, technology, and development, are the areas in which their expertise becomes crucial.
"We are primarily responsible for managing the clinical data utilized for ongoing research," explained Operational Research-Clinical Support Division Manager Capt. Judy Dye. "Our work becomes the main component of the database used by the DoD to promote and maintain the health of all military members and their families."
With more than 23 years Navy nursing experience, Dye noted how celebrating the Navy Nurse Corps birthday as a nurse in research and development has special meaning.
"It's definitely different because nurses tend to be clinically focused. We are analyzing clinical data instead of taking care of patients in a traditional health care setting. We contribute to health care through research," explained Dye.
Shortly after the birthday messages, McCollum addressed the staff.
"I have not only a professional appreciation of nurses, including those of you in this room, but a personal connection as well," said McCollum. "My sister-in-law is a nurse, a doctor nurse, and I know how hard she works and see the value and meaning in what she does personally. It takes a special person to do what you do."
The ceremony concluded with closing remarks from the commanding officer, and the ceremonious cake-cutting by the most junior and senior Nurse Corps Officers in the room. McCollum was also invited to take part in the time honored Navy tradition.
"Hearing stories like the one from the congresswomen was very touching," said Dye. "To hear her personal story about her own family, her own life, and how nursing has touched her day to day, when we just think we're doing our job, it reminds us that our work is meaningful to others."
As the DoD's premier medical research center, NHRC's cutting-edge research and development is used to optimize the operational health and readiness of the nations armed forces. Within close proximity to more than 95,000 uniformed service members, world-class universities, and industry partners, NHRC's expert team sets the standards in joint ventures, innovation, and practical application.