National Nurses Week

National Nurses Week, May 6-12.

It can be long hours of supporting families in the best and worst of times. Their presence is always where they're most needed taking care of the wounded, newly born, dying and those completing recovery. The profession, supported and promoted by the American Nurses Association (ANA) since 1896, celebrated the first National Nurse Week in 1954, observing the 100th anniversary of Florence Nightingale's mission to Crimea. Years after, it was established that the annual observance would fall in accord with Nightingale's birthday and recognize her efforts early on supporting patients and doctors.

Today, the ANA acknowledges programs throughout the states as well as specialty nursing organizations, educational facilities, district nurses associations, independent health care companies and institutions.

The National Nurses Week 2014 theme, "Nurses Leading the Way," is a focus on how nurses throughout the industry accept constantly evolving roles in their profession while embracing new technology and resolving emerging issues.

According to the 2014 Congressional Resolution (H. Res. 540), nurses represent the largest single component of the health care profession with an estimated population of 3,100,000 registered nurses in the United States.

The duties performed by nurses in all aspects of the industry are as wide and varied as the industry demands. Practicing in all health care settings, registered nurses can be found in hospitals, nursing homes, medical office, care centers, community health centers, schools and retail clinics.

Opportunities for nurses have increased over the years for those wanting to pursue a more involved role in the industry. Advanced practice registered nurses, those with a master's degree and advance clinical and educational practice requirements, offer services under the canopy of numerous roles.
These can include nurse practitioners, certified nurse/midwife, clinical nurse specialists, and certified registered nurse anesthetists, all who have the chance to impact lives with their skills and talents.