To recognize National Nurses Week, celebrated annually May 6 through May 12, Reading Hospital Foundation launched a social media fundraising campaign titled 'Behind the Mask' to highlight nurses at Reading Hospital. During challenging times, including the recent COVID-19 pandemic, nurses provide exceptional care against all odds. To recognize the extraordinary work they do each day, the campaign will highlight nurse representatives on the Reading Hospital Facebook and Instagram pages with side-by-side images. The first photo will be the nurse in personal protective equipment and the second will depict the nurse outside the walls of the organization with a brief description as to why they chose to enter the nursing profession.
Proceeds from the campaign will benefit Reading Hospital Foundation's Nursing Excellence Fund, which was recently established to expand learning opportunities for nurses. Reading Hospital has a rich history of providing nurses opportunities to learn, grow, and demonstrate professional excellence. It is critical for nurses to be well-trained and equipped to provide the highest levels of care in the face of evolving technology, case complexity, and the demands of highly specialized care programs. The Fund will be used for equipment that supports learning for procedural advancements, supplemental coursework, supportive roles in nursing, and sending nurses to conferences to learn new and innovative patient-centric care advancements. To recognize a Reading Hospital nurse and donate to the Nursing Excellence fund visit reading.towerhealth.org/foundation/donate-now/.
"A former Reading Hospital Nurse, Nancy Yocum and John and Karen Scholl have each generously agreed to match up to $5,000 during this campaign. Jackson Cross Partners has also agreed to match up to $1,000," said Katherine Thornton, President, Reading Hospital Foundation. "Our community has always been supportive of our wonderful nursing team. The Nursing Excellence Fund will allow individuals to recognize a special nurse who has made a difference in their care."
"We are extremely proud of the care our nurses provide to our patients and community," said Mary Agnew, DNP, Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Tower Health. "We remain steadfast in strengthening nursing and patient care by supporting our nurses to pursue education, research, and evidence-based practices that improve care in our communities."
Donations can be made online by visiting reading.towerhealth.org/foundation/donate-now/ and selecting "Nursing Excellence" under gift purpose.
About Reading Hospital
Reading Hospital is the flagship, Magnet Recognized, acute care hospital of Tower Health. Located in West Reading, Pa., Reading Hospital is a 714-bed hospital that is home to many top-tier specialty care centers, including Reading HealthPlex, McGlinn Cancer Institute, Miller Regional Heart Center, Emergency Department, Level I Trauma Center and Beginnings Maternity Center, which houses the region's only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). With more than 1,000 physicians, specialists, and advanced practice providers across 49 locations, Reading Hospital has been recognized for its quality outcomes and clinical expertise across services lines. It is listed as one of America's 100 Best Hospitals for four consecutive years and received a 5-Star Rating from CMS two years in a row. For more information, visit towerhealth.org.