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Mark your calendars for May 6-12 because it's time to celebrate National Nurses Week! This week-long celebration was first established in 1954 by the American Nurses Association to honor and recognize the hard work and dedication of nurses across the country. From providing compassionate care to saving lives, nurses play a vital role in our healthcare system and deserve all the recognition they can get. So let's take this week to show our appreciation for these amazing healthcare heroes who make a difference in our lives every day!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1820</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Florence Nightingale Born</div><div class='timeline-text'>Florence Nightingale, prominent nursing pioneer honoured during National Nurses Week, was born on May 12.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1954</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First National Nurse Week</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first observance of National Nurse Week took place in January 1954 commemorating the 100th anniversary of Nightingale's mission in Crimea.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1971</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>ANA Shifts Date</div><div class='timeline-text'>The American Nurses Association Board of Directors changed the date to May to celebrate on the week ending on Nightingale's birthday.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1981</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Recognized by Congress</div><div class='timeline-text'>Congress officially recognized National Nurses Week after efforts from New Mexico nurses led by Mercedes Van Durme.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1993</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>ANA Finalizes Dates</div><div class='timeline-text'>The American Nurses Association Board of Directors designated May 6-12 as permanent dates to observe National Nurses Week.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a nurse appreciation luncheon</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather some friends and family members to celebrate the nurses in your life with a special luncheon dedicated to them. Show them how much they are appreciated for their hard work and dedication.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Send thank you cards to local hospitals</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the time to write thank you cards to the nurses at your local hospitals. Let them know how much their efforts and sacrifices are appreciated by the community.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a fundraiser for a nursing charity</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use this week as an opportunity to give back to the nursing community by organizing a fundraiser for a nursing charity. This could be a fun run, silent auction, or any other creative event.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a social media campaign to recognize nurses</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spread the love for nurses by creating a social media campaign to recognize their hard work and dedication. Use hashtags like #NationalNursesWeek or #NurseAppreciation to bring attention to their important role in healthcare.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a nursing conference or workshop</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take this week as an opportunity to invest in yourself and your career by attending a nursing conference or workshop. You'll learn new skills and meet other nurses who share your passion for the field.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It recognizes and appreciates nurses' hard work and dedication</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Nurses Week is a time to honor and celebrate the tireless efforts of nurses. Their job is demanding, both mentally and physically, and they often go above and beyond the call of duty to care for their patients. This week allows us to show our gratitude for all that they do.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It raises awareness about the importance of nursing</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>During National Nurses Week, there are often events and activities that focus on educating the public about the crucial role that nurses play in our healthcare system. It's a chance for people to learn more about what it takes to be a nurse and recognize the vital contributions they make to our society.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes self-care among nurses</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Nurses are notorious for putting their own health and well-being on the back burner while caring for others. National Nurses Week serves as a reminder for nurses to prioritize their own self-care and well-being. It also encourages healthcare organizations to provide resources and support for nurse self-care throughout the year.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Nursing is One of the Most Trusted Professions</h3><p class='facts-content'>In numerous surveys conducted over the years, nurses consistently rank as one of the most trusted professions, reflecting the high levels of empathy and medical competence that they offer.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Nurses Log Incredibly Long Hours</h3><p class='facts-content'>It is common for many nurses to work long and irregular shifts, often for 12 hours or more at a time. Their extreme dedication to patient care drives them to work these hours without any compromise on the quality of care they provide.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Nurses Often Develop Unique Diagnostic Skills</h3><p class='facts-content'>Being on the frontline of patient care gives nurses phenomenally sharp diagnostic skills. They become incredibly adept at identifying symptoms and can often detect complications before they become serious.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>There are More than 4 Million Registered Nurses in the US</h3><p class='facts-content'>According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, there were approximately 4.1 million registered nurses in the United States in 2021. This makes nursing one of the largest healthcare professions in the nation.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Men Are Becoming More Common in Nursing</h3><p class='facts-content'>While nursing has traditionally been a female-dominated field, it is becoming increasingly common to see men in nursing roles. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the proportion of male registered nurses has more than tripled since 1970, from 2.7% to 9.6% in 2011.</p></div></div>
National Nurses Week is celebrated on May 6 every year. In 2024 National Nurses Week will occur on a Monday.
2023
May 6
Saturday
2024
May 6
Monday
2025
May 6
Tuesday
2026
May 6
Wednesday
2027
May 6
Thursday
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