Nursing is the nation’s largest health care profession, with nearly 4.2 million registered nurses (RNs) nationwide, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Private practices, public health agencies, primary care clinics, home health care, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, urgent care, outpatient surgi-centers, nursing school operated clinics, insurance and managed care companies, mental health agencies, hospices, and other medical facilities all have a high demand for registered nurses.
Nurses are on the front line, putting in long hours, caring for patients, and comforting family members. They provide quality nursing and rehabilitative services at hospitals and other facilities and in the privacy and comfort of patients’ homes. Nurses are truly our unsung heroes, sacrificing so much to help save lives.
To honor and appreciate all that nurses – past and present – do for us, a week (May 6-12) of recognition is earmarked every year. The recognition of nurses began in 1954 to mark the 100-year anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s mission to help troops in the Crimean War. But it wasn’t until after the American Nursing Association (ANA) petitioned several times to honor nurses that National Nurses Week became official in 1993.
How We Can Support Nurses
The ANA highlights four areas to focus on to honor our nurses, not only during National Nurses Week but also throughout the month and beyond: self-care, recognition, professional development, and community engagement. The ANA offers the following as ways to celebrate nurses throughout the year.
Self-Care: Burnout is a real issue in the nursing community due to the very stressful nature of the job. Nurses often are dealing with very ill patients and life-and-death situations. To provide some relief from burnout, provide nurses with the time and space needed to take care of themselves. Those who own wellness operations, day spas, and other types of related business are encouraged to offer nurses promotions and discounts for self-care services.
Recognition: Let nurses know how great they are and how much they’re appreciated – send a text or call a nurse you know. Give a meaningful gift to a nurse who took care of you or a family member.
Professional Development: Show support by donating to nursing schools or professional nursing organizations.
Community Engagement: Support community involvement for nurses. Take some time to learn about the roles that nurses play in policy. Attend city council meetings if you so desire.
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