Some of life’s biggest moments are spent with a nurse—from when we are born to when we pass away as well as the many ups and downs in between. Nurses Day and Nurses Week provide the perfect opportunities to celebrate the nurses who care for us, our friends and our families. They have an important job to do, and it is our duty to thank them every year.

 

In 1982, a congressional resolution designated May 6 as National Recognition Day for Nurses. A few years later, in 1990, the American Nurse Association expanded the recognition to create National Nurses Week, which takes place May 6–12.

 

Although the holiday is over 35 years old, we still have a hard time putting into words just how much nurses mean to us. And for those who work in the health industry, nurses aren’t just people we run into every so often; they’re the people we work with every single day.

 

In honor of Nurses Week, show gratitude to those who take time to make sure we, and the people we love, are comfortable. They spend countless hours caring for us. Now, it’s your turn to show you care for them with one of these simple messages inside your nurses cards: “Your passion for our patients’ health is appreciated every day. Thank you for all you do. ”Your compassion, optimism and kindness do not go unnoticed. We appreciate you!” “Because of you, we live in a happier, healthier world. Happy Nurses Week.” “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.” Just a moment to recognize you and your hard work. Happy Nurses Week!” “You go above and beyond to make our patients comfortable. Thank you. “You are a valued member of our team. Thank you for being the amazing nurse you are!”  “You brighten peoples’ days—including ours. Happy Nurses Week!” “Our patients love you and the hard work you do does not go unnoticed. Thank you for everything. Happy Nurses Week!”  “Thank you for being an amazing nurse. Our team appreciates all that you do. Happy Nurses Week!

Nurses do a lot for their patients. They assist in medical procedures, advocate for patients’ rights, provide health teachings, administer medications, provide bedside care, and so much more. With the long list of things they do, they deserve to be recognized and applauded and this year’s Nurses Week is the best time for that.

National Nurses Week is celebrated worldwide from May 6 – 12 every year. Nurses are recognized for the important role they play in healthcare and the contributions they have made to society.

After so many years of failed attempts, National Nurses Week is now an annual celebration around the world. On that day, the UK holds a service in Westminster Abbey with a symbolic passing of the lamp of knowledge among nurses. China has its nurses reaffirm their loyalty to the Florence Nightingale pledge. Australia awards an Australian Nurse of the Year and holds several other ceremonies for nurses.

THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION has designated 2020 as the “Year of the Nurse”, marking 200 years since the birth of Florence Nightingale, who established the principles of modern nursing and hospital sanitation. If she were to drop in on a hospital today, Nightingale would be pleased to see the progress in nursing since her day—and how it is poised to change in the years to come