As the largest group of health care professionals, nurses’ contributions to health and health care are vital. Given the depth and breadth of nursing, we believe it’s time to expand the traditional National Nurses Week to a month-long observance.
By having 31 days to honor the profession, we expand opportunities to recognize nurses’ contributions and to promote self-care and professional development. This also offers more time to engage with our communities, educate them about what we do, and encourage the next generation to choose nursing as a career.
The month will be divided into four weekly focuses:
WEEK 1
SELF CARE
May 1–9
Start the month with mindful self-recognition. Focus on yours and others’ emotional and physical well-being by encouraging and challenging yourself, colleagues and friends to engage in healthier activities.
WEEK 2
recognition
May 10–16
Raise visibility of the critical work nurses do and foster greater understanding of the diversity of the nursing profession by honoring exemplary nurses and engaging with your community.
WEEK 3
professional development
May 17–23
Focus on how you can excel and lead in your nursing career or inspire and help others in their professional nursing journey.
WEEK 4
community engagement
May 24–31
Help promote nurses’ invaluable contributions by engaging with your community, educating them on what nurses do, and encouraging future nurses.
Stay tuned for more details on how you can participate, engage others, and celebrate all you and your colleagues do!