National Nurses Week kicks off Friday and will run through May 12. The week-long, annual veneration of the nursing profession has roots that stretch back to the 1950s. Here are how five organizations are honoring nurses for National Nurse's Week 2016.
1. According to the Rhode Island Monthly, nurses from Miriam Hospital in Providence, R.I., are being bolstered by community retailers as they work to raise money for the American Heart Association. A handful of local businesses have pledged to donate 5 percent of sales, during all or part of the week, to the AHA in the name if Miriam Hospital nurses.
2. Magnet-designated Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn., will honor its nurses with a docket of events that extend to May 20. Main events include an address on the state of nursing that will be accessible live via webcast during the event and the distribution of nursing awards based on nominations with a reception to follow. See what Vanderbilt Nursing recommends for a successful nurses week celebration here.
3. This year's National Nurses Week theme is a "Culture of Safety — It Starts with YOU." In honor of that theme, the Nursing Education and Continuing Education departments at Gadsden (Ala.) State Community College are co-sponsoring an auditorium event featuring local healthcare professionals from hospitals, educational institutions and rehab facilities to deliver safety information to attendees.
4. The Minnesota Nurses Association has an extensive list of sponsored activities lined up for the week. On May 9, Mary Turner, RN, will throw out the first pitch at a Minnesota Twins game for scrubs night — healthcare professionals will receive a pair of Minnesota Twins-branded scrub pants with ticket purchase. The organization is also hosting an open house in St. Paul featuring educational sessions and food.
5. In July 1994, a group of nurse leaders from Tucson, Ariz., came together with hopes of galvanizing citywide recognition of nurses within their community during National Nurses Week. The Tucson Nurses Week Foundation will be offering two major events to honor Tucson-area nurses as a part of this year's festivities. On May 6, the organization will hold a health fair to engage educators, staff nurses, administrators, clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, researchers and other practicing professionals from a variety of disciplines in an educational conversation about nursing research and practice. On May 7, the organization will host a formal gala honoring distinguished area nurses.
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