Celebrating Our Compassionate Caregivers: Nurse Appreciation Week at People’s Arc of Suffolk
At People’s Arc of Suffolk, our nurses are more than healthcare providers — they are advocates, caregivers, mentors, and protectors. Whether in our residential homes or day habilitation programs, or at our school working with children, they ensure that every person receives not only medical care, but also respect, dignity, and the opportunity to thrive.
Working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities takes a special kind of nurse — someone with extraordinary patience, deep compassion, and a true belief in the power of inclusion. This week, we honor you.
As Jeanmarie Drnek, our VP of Nursing Services, so eloquently shared:
“Your care goes far beyond clinical skill—it brings dignity, comfort, and connection to the people we serve.”
In a role that demands both clinical excellence and emotional intelligence, you bring balance, heart, and fierce advocacy into every shift. You are often the bridge between systems, the calm in the storm, and the trusted voice when others cannot speak for themselves.
Julie Rava-Young, Assistant Director of Nursing, reminds us:
“You are all inspirations — not only to the people we support but also to the staff who work alongside you.”
Whether supporting someone in their daily routine, responding to medical needs, or simply being a steady presence in their lives — your impact is immeasurable. You serve not only as caregivers, but as champions of inclusion, quality of life, and human connection.
To the nurses of People’s Arc of Suffolk:
Thank you for the care you give, the lives you touch, and the difference you make.
We are better because of you.
Fun Facts about Nursing:
- Nursing is a fast-growing profession, with projections for significant job growth in the coming years.
- Largest Healthcare Profession:Nurses outnumber other healthcare professionals, including doctors, by a significant margin.
- Trusted Profession: Nurses consistently rank as the most trusted profession in the U.S.
- Diverse Workforce: The nursing profession is becoming more diverse, with a higher percentage of racial and ethnic minorities represented than other healthcare professions.
- Physical Demands: Nurses walk an average of 4-5 miles during a 12-hour shift, which is more than most people walk in an 18-hour day.
- Specialized Roles: Nurses can specialize in a wide variety of areas, from critical care and emergency medicine to pediatrics and mental health.
- Advanced Practice Nurses: Many nurses pursue advanced degrees and become advanced practice nurses, such as nurse practitioners and nurse anesthetists, who can perform many tasks traditionally done by doctors.
