Happy National Nurses Week
Today, May 6th 2013, kicks off the start of National Nurses Week. National Nurses Week runs from May 6th – May 12th. May 12th marks the end of nurses week and is the birthday of the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale. National Nurses Week was started in 1994.
During the week we recognize National RN Day (May 6th) and National Student Nurses Day (May 8th). National Student Nurses Day was first observed on May 8th in 1997. This was done at the request of the National Student Nurse Association.
This week is meant to create awareness for the nursing profession. You can help do this by advocating, creating events, reaching out to the media, or running some promotions. Here are some ways to celebrate National Nurses Week.
Advocacy
- You may want to invite one of your local, state, or federal politicians to accompany you while on the job. Healthcare is an important issue to voters, and politicians should be visible and accountable for their positions on healthcare.
- Request a town hall meeting.
- Request a proclamation from your mayor or governor declaring May 6th as National RN Recognition Day.
Events
- Hold an event to recognize one or more nurses in your community for their commitment to the profession.
- Sponsor a community-wide event.
- Host a fundraiser, such as a walk-a-thon, and donate money to a local charity.
- Obtain support from other nursing and healthcare organizations in your area by asking them to sponsor National RN Recognition Day and/ or National Nurses Week.
Media Outreach
- Write and distribute a press release announcing National RN Recognition Day and/ or National Nurses Week.
- Place an article in your state or local Newspaper
Promotion
- Purchase promotional items for National Nurses Week (RN pins, t-shirts, mugs, buttons).
- Work cooperatively with hospitals, schools, and libraries to set up a special display for National Nurses Week using promotions materials.
How are you celebrating National Nurses Week? Let us know in the comments section below.
