National Nurses Week: Touching lives, everyday

There are approximately 2.9 million registered nurses in the United States who save lives everyday by promoting and maintaining the health of millions of people. National Nurses Day, celebrated annually on May 6, kicks off a week long celebration that is one of the nation’s largest health observances, National Nurses Week. This recognition event ends on May 12, Florence Nightingale’s birthday, the founder of modern nursing.

This year’s theme, “Building a Healthy America,“ celebrates the continued commitment nurses make to patient safety and the improvement of the quality of healthcare everyday.

Nurses meet the expanding needs of American patients by staying abreast on the latest medical advancements in equipment and techniques.  National Nurses Week is devoted to raising awareness of the important role nurses play in the delivery of healthcare, as well as the compassion and comfort they provide to patients and family members during stressful times of illness.

In honor of National Nurses Week, Marion Regional Healthcare System encourages friends, family members, patients and coworkers to salute nurses and show appreciation for their continued hard work.
Vital Stats is a weekly health column provided by the doctors and staff of Marion Regional Healthcare System.