The Chenango County Public Health nursing staff. Nurse's Week begins May 6 and ends on Nurse's Day on May 12. (Photo by Sarah Giglio)

NORWICH — In honor of Nurse's Week, the Chenango County Department of Public Health is taking a moment to show their appreciation for their nursing staff.

Nurse's Week begins on May 6, and ends on Nurse's Day on May 12.

Heather Miller, the Public Health Supervising Community Health Nurse, said nurses have been working especially hard since the start of COVID-19.

"We would like Chenango County residents to know that our public health nurses are dedicated to protecting their community, and have been working tirelessly seven days per week since April 2020, conducting positive COVID investigations, contact tracing, and later vaccinating, all in addition to maintaining work in their regular programs," said Miller.

The Public Health Director of Patient Services Barb Ryan said that to her, Nurse's Day is all about reflection.

"Nurse's Day to me is a time to reflect on why maybe you, or the person, became a nurse and to reflect on, you know especially for us this past year, working during a pandemic," said Ryan.

To thank their staff, Ryan explained that the Public Health office set out breakfast food for the nurses to enjoy.

"They'll get their breakfast and then probably head back to their station and work on contact tracing," said Ryan, emphasizing the consistent work these nurses put in.