Nurses Week
May 6 - 12
From assisting with life-threatening crises to delivering babies and caring for the elderly in their last moments, nurses perform some of the most difficult and profound tasks in the medical world. As workers who perform the most essential healthcare tasks, nurses serve as the first point of contact for most patients. National Nurses Week honors their contributions and sacrifices and reminds us to thank the medical professionals who keep our communities healthy.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL NURSES WEEK
Once viewed as lowly doctors’ assistants, nurses are now recognized as highly specialized professionals with a wide range of skills. Today, becoming a nurse requires four years of study and extreme focus and dedication. This versatile career with dozens of specialties is a crucial link between patients and doctors.
The advent of modern nursing is credited to Florence Nightingale, who laid the foundation for professional nursing through her tireless work during and after the Crimean War. As a nursing manager on the frontlines, Nightingale introduced hygiene protocols and other measures that drastically reduced infections and deaths in battlefield hospitals.
Today, Nurses work in a wide range of specialties and settings, from school nurses who administer vaccines to highly specialized oncology nurses who assist in life-saving treatment decisions.
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL NURSES WEEK
Nurses are essential
Nurses perform some of the most important daily tasks in healthcare, and National Nurses Week recognizes their tireless and often thankless work.
Nurses work hard
Most nurses work 12+ hour shifts with few breaks, often taking on extra work when the need arises. Since healthcare is a 24/7/365 operation, nurses often find themselves working through holidays and important events.
Nurses know patients best
Because they spend the most time with a patient, nurses have a comprehensive understanding of a patient's history, condition, and treatment.
HOW CAN YOU PARTICIPATE? Here are a few ways you can show your appreciation for nurses:
-Thank a nurse with a fresh meal or massage - Nurses work long hours with few breaks and deserve a treat. Send a nurse in your life a surprise meal or spa session to show your appreciation!
-Donate blood - If you are eligible, donating blood is an easy way to help ensure our healthcare system has the resources it needs to save lives.
-Write a thank-you note to nurses - Write a heartfelt thank you note to a nurse (or several.) Let them know you see and appreciate their efforts.
Nurses play an instrumental role in all of our lives and we celebrate them this week. National Nurses Week honors nurses around the world for their amazing hard work and dedication and reminds us to thank the medical professionals who serve us. Thank your local healthcare workers today!
