Decker School of Nursing

Dear Alumni, Students, Faculty and Staff of the Decker School of Nursing:

Registered nurse and attorney Rawsi Williams once said, “To do what nobody else will do, a way that nobody else can do, in spite of all we go through; that is to be a nurse.”

The crisis facing our nation is unprecedented. It strikes us at every level of our being, from concern for our personal health and the health of our loved ones, to anxiety and fear of the unknown, and — possibly most difficult for nurses — to the inability to effectively treat and heal those in our care.

Despite all of this, you report to work and you do what nobody else can do. You put aside your fears, you sacrifice time with your loved ones and you serve as the companion — the face of kindness and the face of hope to many. For this, it is with the greatest appreciation, gratitude and pride that I compose this message.

As a school, we exhibit pride for each of you and all that you are sacrificing for our communities; admiration for your willingness to put others before yourselves; and support by donating personal protective equipment, educating the next generation of exceptional nurses to support you and holding you in our thoughts and prayers.

As your dean, I am proud every day for all that the Decker School of Nursing has achieved over its 50 years. On behalf of Decker's administration, I thank you for your service, I wish you health and safety and I remind you that we’re here to support you in any way that we can.

In solidarity,
Mario R. Ortiz
Visit Decker's COVID-19 webpage