Today is the first day of National Nurses Week, an annual celebration that recognizes the value of nursing and educates the public about how registered nurses (RN) can advance innovation and improve the overall health care system.

National Nurses Week runs from May 6 to May 12 annually, starting with RN Recognition Day and ending on the birthday of Florence Nightingale, who founded nursing as a modern profession.

In honor of this week, NAPH will feature a special blog series that includes entries from member hospitals and NAPH staff, who will highlight the important role nurses play in providing high quality care to patients. While this week is a special time to commemorate RNs, NAPH is proud to recognize nurses for the care they provide 365 days per year.

How will you celebrate National Nurses Week?
Last year, several NAPH hospitals held special events to celebrate National Nurses Week. For example, Jackson Health System in Miami held a nursing expo and a nursing workshop to highlight nurses’ work and best nursing practices. Jackson also distributed “Nurses of the Year Awards” to nurses who were selected by their colleagues from each of its patient care centers, specialty areas, satellite centers and hospitals.

Meanwhile, staff at a handful of NAPH hospitals honored their RN predecessors by wearing throwback uniforms. At Broward Health Coral Springs, nurses wore traditional white uniforms and caps, while RNs at Denver Health had “Retro Day” and dressed in 80s scrubs.

According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), here are a handful of simple ways you can recognize RNs this week:

  1. Place an article in your state or local newspaper(s) about National Nurses Week and the value of nurses.
  2. Work cooperatively with hospitals, schools, and libraries to set up a special display for National Nurses Week using promotional materials, such as, pins, t-shirts, posters, etc.
  3. Suggest that your state or local newspaper solicit stories from readers who would like to pay tribute to a nurse who provided exemplary care.

For more suggestions, visit the ANA website.