On behalf of the Polk County Medical Association, it is my honor to introduce the remarkable healthcare professionals featured in this special Tribute to Nurses edition of Central Florida Health News.
Nursing is a profession we all recognize, yet the sacrifices, skill, and depth of dedication behind it are not always fully understood. What patients see at the bedside — the calm voice, the steady hands, the reassuring presence — is only part of the story. Behind every interaction is extensive clinical knowledge, sharp critical thinking, and a level of emotional resilience that often goes unseen.
We asked area healthcare facilities to share their standout nurses, and they did not disappoint. In these pages, we tap into the minds and hearts of notable nurses from Lakeland Regional Health, AdventHealth Heart of Florida, Watson Clinic, Central Florida Health Care, Florida Department of Health-Polk County, and BayCare to learn more about the hearts of our heroes.
I also invite you to explore our community calendar for health-focused events and test your smarts with our Pop Quiz on stroke risk factors and symptoms.
Thank you for reading, and don’t forget to thank a nurse today!