Devoted. Resilient. Compassionate. These words, and so many others, only begin to describe the thousands of women and men who pursue nursing careers in the 21st century.

Baptist Health South Florida, the region’s largest provider of expertise in nursing practice, shines a spotlight on these hometown heroes in “The Art of Nursing,” a compelling exhibition of black-and-white photography coming to the Wirtz Gallery at the First National Bank of South Miami. A public reception will be held April 11.

“These images are my way of honoring our work, and they express my gratitude for being part of such a noble profession,” said Yvonne Brookes, R.N., a Baptist Health nursing executive who conceived and curated the photo series. The photos capture the admirable traits of real-life Baptist Health nurses, who work in a variety of specialties and range from novices to experts in their profession.

Photographer Fareed Al-Mashat used a cinematic eye to capture the realities of life as a nurse. “Because of the limitations of shooting in a hospital setting, patient privacy issues and the ever-changing daily challenges facing nurses, using a true photojournalistic approach was not feasible,” he said. “Instead, I envisioned these images as a split second in a film sequence and worked hand-in-hand with Baptist Health nurses to create scenes that feel as authentic as if they were shot by a photojournalist.”

WHAT:
Public reception for “The Art of Nursing,” a series by photographer Fareed Al-Mashat, presented by Baptist Health South Florida

WHEN:
Friday, April 11 – 6-9 p.m.

WHERE:
Wirtz Gallery at the First National Bank of South Miami, 5750 Sunset Drive, South Miami, FL 33143 (Gallery entrance is at SW 57 Court and SW 73 Street)

COST:
Admission is free of charge and open to the public

PARKING:
Free parking is available on SW 73 Street, behind the bank

MORE INFO:
Kathy Barbour, Baptist Health South Florida, [email protected] / tel. 786-596-6534

The “Art of Nursing” photo exhibition will be on display April 2-29. The gallery’s regular hours of operation are Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., and Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. On Friday, April 11, the gallery will be open until 9 p.m.

Baptist Health is the largest faith-based, not-for-profit healthcare organization in the region. It includes Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, South Miami Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Homestead Hospital, West Kendall Baptist Hospital, Mariners Hospital, Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute and Baptist Outpatient Services. Baptist Health Foundation, the organization’s fundraising arm, supports services at all hospitals and facilities.