Nurses are constantly classifying as more confident professionals in the country. It is said that nursing is an art and science practiced with the heart and mind. It integrates respect for human dignity with intuition for the patient’s needs.
It also requires rigorous education. Nursing is a holistic approach to the welfare that takes care of the whole person: biological, physical, emotional, behavioral, social and spiritual. Art includes compassion, care, understanding and communication. Science requires an understanding of pathophysiology, the process of illness, technical skills and evidence -based practice.
National Nurses Week 2025 is from May 6 to 12. This year’s topic is the power of nurses and “will celebrate the unmatched contributions of nurses and will convene the public to honor their essential role in the conformation of a healthier future for all of us.”
The American Nurses Enterprise (ANE) that encompasses the American Nurses Association (Ana), the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Nurses Foundation (ANF) “Shines a national look at nurses as a driving force of compassionate care, innovation and transformative changes in health care.”
May 6 was National Nurses Day. May 8 was the National Day of Student Nurses. And May 12 is International Nurses Day. It is no coincidence that May 12 is also the birthday of Florence Nightingale. Florence Nightingale (May 12, 1820 to August 13, 1910) is known as the founder of modern nursing. Thus, nurses’ week is also in honor of their contribution to nursing.
There are more than four million nurses in the United States. “Nursing is more than a profession. It is a purpose based on purpose, compassion and service,” according to Jennifer Mennedy Kennedy, President, Ana. Nursing papers vary greatly. Nurses offer direct patient care, case management, psychiatric nursing, establishing nursing practices, teaching, developing quality guarantee and directing nursing care systems. My cousin who is a practicing nurse is the head of medical staff. Nursing includes licensed practical nurses (LPN), registered nurses (RN) and advanced practice nurses (APRN, NP, CNS, CRNA, CNM).
Angela Beddoo, CEO of Ane, states: “Our mission is to camp nurses prioritizing their well -being and ensuring that they have support, recognition and resources needed to prosper.” Nurses Week will do so with national press conferences, educational seminars, direct commitment to policymakers and illuminate more than 100 buildings, milestones, monuments, hospitals and bridges throughout America to honor nurses.
Our well -being is a topic in itself. This week I sat down with my laptop with the intention of writing a column on the prevalence of verbal and physical violence that was limited to nurses and another healthcare staff. Political officials finally recognize and do something about it. I was reminded that it is the nurse’s week and I chose to applaud those empathetic souls working on the battlefield day after day despite negativity. We enter this profession with the sole purpose of helping people.
We hope to deal with patients who are stressed to treat unknown diseases and injuries. No one is at your best during these times. But medical care suppliers do not deserve physical or verbal aggression to do their job and do their best to take care of people.
Knowing firsthand that my amazing co -workers and colleagues deal with, I send a huge and sincere gratitude to all the nurses.
Another thanks to the many corporate sponsors who have given money and products to nursing associations this week. Sending thanks to patients, their families and the community recognizing and appreciating the attention they receive.
Finally, a cry for children who wandered with their medical toy kits reviewing their parents, pets and stuffed animals, those who want to become student nurses; I will trust you for years to reach health care in a better place. Take the time to expand your thanks to each nurse in your life and those you find today and every day, they also need care.
Take care of yourself and another person.
Juanita Carnes is a nurse practicing with 39 years of experience in a hospital emergency service and urgent care facilities. He spent 30 years at the Westfield Health Council, Massachusetts.