National Nurses Week is celebrated annually to honor the contributions and achievements of nurses across our country. The week-long celebration begins on May 6th and ends on May 12th, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, regarded as the founder of modern nursing. This year’s theme, “You Make A Difference,” is especially timely as the role that nurses have played in providing care to patients during the COVID-19 pandemic was more important than ever.

National Nurses Week dates back to the 1950s when Dorothy Sutherland, an employee of the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, proposed the idea of a national day to honor nurses. In 1953, the first National Nurses Week was celebrated from October 11th to 16th, marking the 100th anniversary of Nightingale’s mission to Crimea. In 1974, the American Nurses Association (ANA) declared May 12th as National Nurses Day, and in 1982, President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation designating May 6th to 12th as National Nurses Week.

The ANA encourages healthcare facilities, schools, and communities to recognize nurses everywhere.

As we celebrate National Nurses Week, it is important to remember the contributions and sacrifices of nurses, especially in the face of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Nurses are our frontline warriors, tirelessly working to support and care for patients and families in need – truly making a difference.

We urge everyone to take a moment to recognize and thank all the nurses who have been working hard, day and night, to ensure the health, safety and resilience of our communities. They deserve our gratitude, respect, and admiration and so much more.

National Nurses Week is a time to remember and appreciate the dedication, compassion, and expertise of our nurses – an opportunity to celebrate their contributions to healthcare and to show our support for their tireless efforts in keeping us all healthy and safe. CHC is proud to honor our nurses and express our deepest gratitude for their service during this special week and throughout the year.