05/21/2026
"More Than a Role"
By Star Meyer, Chief Nursing Officer
Nurses Week is meaningful to me not because of the recognition itself, but because it gives us a moment to pause and reflect on what it truly means to be a nurse.
There is, of course, an operational side to my role as Chief Nursing Officer — ensuring excellence, recruiting and retaining top talent, and making sure nurses have the tools and growth opportunities they need to thrive. But on a deeper level, I see my responsibility as protecting and advancing nursing itself. Nursing excellence doesn’t happen by accident — it requires investment, support, and a commitment to the future of this profession.
I’m a registered nurse and an attorney, and while I value both paths, I am deeply proud to be a nurse. Nursing demands so much — professionally and personally. It requires skill, resilience and compassion, even when the work is hard and not always comfortable. Nurses do work that isn’t always easy, but it is always important.
Throughout the month of May, we invite you to recognize a nurse who made a difference in your care by sharing a message of gratitude. Many community members also choose to honor that nurse with a gift in their name — an investment that helps ensure nurses have the support they need to continue providing exceptional care.
iuhealthfoundation.org/heroes