National Nurses Month is an annual observance in the United States that celebrates the significant contributions that nurses make to the healthcare industry. It is a time to recognize and appreciate the dedication, hard work, and sacrifices that nurses make every day to provide high-quality patient care. Here, we will explore the history and meaning of National Nurses Month and discuss some of the ways that you can show your appreciation for the nurses in your life. This year’s National Nurses Month theme is You Make a Difference, which was selected by the American Nursing Association for the varying nursing roles that exist as well as the positive impact nurses’ have on everyone’s lives.

History of National Nurses Month

National Nurses Month has its roots in National Nurses Week, which was first observed in 1954 in honor of Florence Nightingale’s birthday on May 12th. Florence Nightingale is considered the founder of modern nursing, and her birthday is an appropriate date to recognize the positive impact that nurses have on our society.

In 1982, the American Nurses Association (ANA) expanded National Nurses Week to a month-long celebration, which is now known as National Nurses Month. The ANA chose May as the month to honor nurses because it is a time of year when many nursing graduations occur and it coincides with National Student Nurses Day on May 8th. It’s also fitting that National Nurses Month falls in the same month as Mother’s Day, as 86% of nurses are women, and many of them balance the roles of caring for patients as well as their own families.

Meaning of National Nurses Month

National Nurses Month is a time to celebrate the remarkable achievements of nurses and to acknowledge the vital role that the nursing profession plays in our healthcare system. It is an opportunity to show our heartfelt gratitude to these dedicated professionals for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to delivering exceptional patient care.

Achieving high-quality health care is dependent on the contributions of nurses, who form the backbone of the healthcare system. Nurses work tirelessly to provide compassionate care to patients and their families, often going beyond the call of duty to ensure that their patients are comfortable, safe, and well-informed.

Every year, healthcare organizations and communities across the country come together to celebrate National Nurses Month.

How to Celebrate 2023 National Nurses Month

There are many ways to celebrate National Nurses Month and show your appreciation for the nurses in your life. Here are some ideas:

• Send a thank-you note or email to a nurse who has made a difference in your life or the life of a loved one.
• Share a story about a nurse who has inspired you or made a positive impact on your life on social media using the hashtag #NationalNursesMonth.
• Donate to a nursing scholarship fund or a nursing organization that supports the professional development and advancement of nursing careers.
  Participate in a community event or fundraiser that benefits nurses or healthcare workers.

National Nurses Month is a time to honor nurses and highlight their crucial involvement in our healthcare system. It is a wonderful time to show gratitude for their unwavering dedication to providing top-notch patient care as well as their hard work and perseverance. By taking the time to show your appreciation for nurses, you can help to make National Nurses Month a meaningful and memorable celebration for all the nurses in your life.

If you are a Nurse and want to be a difference maker within one of the communities’ or centers’ we service please visit our Careers Page to learn more about benefits offered and open positions: https://mqshealth.com/caring-careers/

References:
American Nurses Association. (2021). National Nurses Week. https://www.nursingworld.org/education-events/national-nurses-week/
American Nurses Association. (2021). National Nurses Month. https://www.nursingworld.org/education-events/national-nurses-month/
American Nurses Association (2023). National Nurses Month.
https://www.nursingworld.org/ana-enterprise/nurses-month/