Nurses Week 2019
May 8, 2019
In 1993, the American Nurses Association declared one week every May as the national week to celebrate and elevate the nursing profession. National Nurses Week is a time for everyone to recognize the contributions and positive impact of American nurses. Employers, health care professionals, community leaders, individuals, and nurses come together to celebrate nurses and their profession. Nurses Week ends on May 12th, Florence Nightingale’s birthday.
Florence Nightingale (1820-1910) was an English nurse who became the first woman to receive the Order of Merit for her efforts during the Crimean War. She was a trailblazer nurse who greatly affected 19th and 20th-century policies around proper patient care. She was known for her night rounds to aid the wounded, coining the nickname “Lady with the Lamp”. Florence Nightingale realized she was called to nursing, and she truly believed being a nurse was her divine purpose.
Nursing has evolved so much since the 19th century, but we still see people choosing nursing as their calling. Nurses work so hard and make such a difference in their patients’ lives. For more than 15 years, Americans have rated nursing as the #1 most-trusted profession in the country. Americans value nurses and rate them as honest and ethical. Most nurses do not consider their profession as a job, but rather a calling. They are called to be advocates for their patients, guiding them through their healthcare journey.
Nurses work in environments that are constantly changing. They keep up with these changes and continue to provide the best care for their patients. They are continually learning about the latest healthcare advancements, technology, and medications for their patients. They spend more face-to-face time with their patients than doctors, so they are skilled at interacting with patients and their families. Patient care isn’t just about the medical aspects of nursing. Nurses are trained to deal with their patient’s emotional needs as well. When nurses show empathy, they foster a collaborative relationship built upon trust. These relationships can help result in proper diagnoses and appropriate treatments. Open communication can result in positive patient outcomes.
This week, our office has celebrated all of our nurses. We have 32 nurses in our practice, and we love and appreciate every single one. Without them, we would not be able to treat and care for all of our patients. Every year, we will continue to celebrate our nurses, because without them, we would be lost. If you see a nurse this week, tell them “Thank-You”. They make a difference in all of our lives!
Happy Nurses Week!
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