Five Facts to Celebrate National Nurses Week
Each year, the country celebrates National Nurses Week beginning May 6 and ending May 12 – on Florence Nightingale’s birthday. Nurses have always played a significant role in healing humanity from war, disease, starvation, and poverty. Today, the nurse’s position hasn’t changed as more than 4 million Registered Nurses in the United States continue to resolutely care for the sick, the injured, and the dying. In a time when nurses are needed now more than ever, it’s important to pause and honor these brave men and women who help save lives day in and day out.
Today, we commemorate National Nurses Week with respect and celebration for the efforts of nurses who fight on the front lines during this worldwide pandemic. In this blog, we share some noteworthy facts about the nursing profession and the history of National Nurses Week.
National Nurses Week Was First Celebrated in 1954
The first year that National Nurses Week was observed was in 1954, marking the 100th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s mission to Crimea. The American Nurses Association (ANA) shares that U.S. Rep. Frances P. Bolton of Ohio sponsored a bill in 1955 to establish a celebratory nurse week. However, because Congress ended its practice of joint resolutions for any national weeks, no action was taken to make this week official.
President Nixon Recognized a Week to Celebrate Nurses in 1974
In February 1974, President Richard Nixon issued a proclamation and the White House designated one week out of the year as National Nurse Week. That came after 20 years of multiple bills being introduced but never passed in Congress to make a national holiday celebrating nurses.
International Nurse Day is on May 12 in Honor of Florence Nightingale’s Birthday
In 1974, the International Council of Nurses proclaimed that International Nurses Day would be on May 12 to honor Florence Nightingale’s birthday. Florence Nightingale, often called the Lady with the Lamp, forged the way for many nurses and social reformers. Today, she is known as the foundational philosopher of modern nursing.
National Nurses Week Became Official in 1993
The ANA Board of Directors decided in 1993 that May 6–12 would be the permanent National Nurses Week, beginning in 1994 and all years to follow. With the purpose to “celebrate and elevate the nursing profession,” the United States commemorates this week each year ever since.
The Field of Nursing Profession is One of the Most Highly Respected
A 2018 poll conducted by Gallup showed that 84% of respondents ranked the honesty and ethical standard of nurses as “very high” or “high.” The poll showed that more people considered nurses to be honest and ethical than they believed doctors, teachers, and pharmacists to be.
“Were there none who were discontented with what they have, the world would never reach anything better.” – Florence Nightingale
Defending Licensed Nursing Professionals in Orlando
During the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s all the more essential to appreciate and support our nurses, doctors, and medical professionals. These brave men and women put their lives at risk every day to help victims of the deadly coronavirus. In Central Florida, The Umansky Law Firm stands by nursing professionals who require legal counsel and representation.
One consequence of a nurse facing criminal charges is the possibility of a license suspension. At The Umansky Law Firm, we provide aggressive representation for nursing professionals facing criminal charges. Whether it’s a serious felony or minor misdemeanor charge, we handle all aspects of the case and fight for nurse’s rights and professional futures.
To schedule a free consultation with a nursing license defense attorney at The Umansky Law Firm, complete an online contact form or call our office today.
