As I write this post, we are in the midst of Nurses Week in the U.S. The week is celebrated annually, beginning on May 6 and ending on May 12. This week was proposed in the 1950s but not formally celebrated until the 1990s. This last date of the week, May 12, commemorates the birthday of nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale. This day is also International Nurses Day. The American Nurses Association (ANA) website also notes that May 8 is designated as National Student Nurses Day, and National School Nurses Day is on Wednesday of this week. Each state is encouraged to recognize nurses during Nurses Week. In addition, healthcare employers also recognize their nurses during this time.
The pandemic highlighted nurses’ critical and varied roles within the healthcare setting and community. The nurse’s role includes provider of care, decision maker, manager, communicator, patient advocate, and teacher. Having a week to recognize all that nurses do to contribute to the country’s health is essential. The pandemic did bring the role of nurses to the forefront. Despite an increase in acutely ill patients and limitations in personal protective equipment and other supplies, nurses continued to strive to provide quality, compassionate care. Staffing shortages worsened. Yet nurses continued to advocate for preventive measures to lessen the spread of COVID-19 and advocated for immunization once available. With the stressors of this pandemic, some nurses did leave their jobs and, in some instances, left the profession. However, the dedication of most nurses continued and is celebrated.
Interestingly, this week also coincides with other honors. In 2023, National Hospital Week is May 7-13. In addition, Teacher Appreciation Week (May 8-12). Although the designated weeks focus on two different occupations and Teachers Appreciation Week is advocated by the National Education Association (NEA) focused on those in the academic setting, celebrating nurses and teachers at the same time seems appropriate. Nurses do have a role as teachers. Each nurse provides health information to their patients. Some nurses serve in academic settings, either as school nurses or nurse educators, providing education to future nurses. We are lucky enough to celebrate both celebratory weeks at the same time.
The week devoted to the role of nurses, hospitals, and teachers allow all to express their gratitude for what they do. Nurses are hopefully feeling appreciated and may be receiving gifts or tokens of appreciation. While this is a beautiful way to recognize nurses and their contributions to society, further work towards ensuring a healthy work environment and fair compensation will be a focus of this recognition. Hopefully, nurses worldwide will value each other and their unique value brought to society throughout the year.