National Nurses Week: Sunday, May 6 -Saturday May 12

It’s hard to imagine that there is anyone that hasn’t been touched by the skill and compassion that nurses bring to their work.   Nursing professionals impact the lives of us all from “cradle to grave.” Most likely a nurse was intimately involved with you and your mother on the day you were born.   Public health nurses help on the front lines and behind the scenes in immunization programs. Emergency room nurses are there when you unexpectedly find yourself injured or seriously ill.   Nurse practitioners provide quality primary care services in urban clinics and rural areas. Hospice nurses are there in the final days to ensure comfort and support to both patient and family members.  A myriad of nurses with specialty certifications help people navigate a complex and highly technical healthcare system.

National Nurses Week begins each year on May 6 and ends on May 12, Florence Nightingale’s birthday.   This year the theme for National Nurse’s Week is “Nurses: Inspire, Innovate, Influence.” In Austin, The Texas Nurses Association District 5 will be hosting a red-carpet awards ceremony honoring local nurses.  For more information see recognizingnurses.com.

In recent years the profession of nursing has seen a shift from hospital and nursing home -based work to expanded roles for nurses in the outpatient, community and home health settings.   As we continue our focus on Older Americans in the month of May, it is timely that we honor the nursing profession as advocates for quality healthcare and support of Older Americans aging in place.  

If you know a nurse, be sure to honor them during their special week.

Terri Knox RN, BSN, CDE