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Celebrating Nurses Week 2021

Published:
May 10, 2021

Nurses are integral to the health and well-being of the entire planet. A person works long and hard hours to become a nurse. They learn about the human body, chemicals, medicines, and how they all interact with each other. They give people IVs, perform lifesaving actions, and comfort people while they are sick or injured. A nurse’s importance is never exaggerated and often under-appreciated.

We asked a traveling nurse pair what their favorite part of traveling at this time has been and they replied, "Our favorite part about being Advantis travelers thus far, although it has been exhausting, has truly been the difference we have been able to make during the pandemic. The staff and patients at the places we have traveled to have desperately needed our help and it has been a fulfilling experience to be a part of so many awesome teams. We have come so far the past year in being able to treat COVID 19, and we could not imagine not being a part of the solution to end this pandemic."

Advantis Medical is a travel nursing agency that loves our nurses and strive to show them tremendous respect and admiration. We are excited to celebrate National Nurses Week 2021!

When is Nurses Week?

National Nurses Week aims to show appreciation and love for a fantastic group of people. It takes place from May 6th to May 12th every year. It ends on Florence Nightingale’s birthday, who is the founder of modern nursing. May 12th is also International Nurses Day, declared by the International Council of Nurses in 1974. 

2020 was declared the “Year of the Nurse” in honor of the 200th birthday of Florence Nightingale. It is also fitting that the world saw nurses' dedication and determination through the COVID-19 pandemic. Advantis Medical wants to continue the momentum and celebrate Nurses Week for the entire month of May 2021. 

What is Nurses Week? 

Nurses Week is a week designated to celebrate nursing and the nurses practicing or studying the profession. Nurses often work tiresome shifts with constant demands from multiple patients and staff members. They also work overnight in hospitals, tend to your children at a pediatric practice, or take samples of a possibly cancerous mole at your dermatologist. Nursing school is rigorous, with many avenues to explore in a field where education is boundless. They are essential and deserve every ounce of respect we can give.  

Eight years after Ronald Reagan approved May 6th to be National Recognition Day for Nurses in 1982, the American Nursing Association (ANA) increased the day of recognition to a week. In 1993, the ANA Board of Directors made those dates the permanent week for National Nurses Week. In 1997, the ANA also recognized the different steps and hardships of nursing and declared May 8th as National Student Nurses Day.

May 12th marks the last day of Nurses Week, Florence Nightingale's birthday. Florence Nightingale is the founder of modern nursing. She served as a nurse in the Crimean War in the 1850s. The attention and care she gave to her patients are the models for modern teaching and hospitals today. Nightingale also established the first school for teaching the next generation of nurses. This was called ‘The Nightingale Home and Training School for Nurses’ and opened in 1860. It still operates today as a part of King’s College London. 

Thank You, Nurses!

COVID-19 put nurses at the forefront of a deadly battle. The pandemic changed the way we view the healthcare industry and the nurse's role in our society.

We asked a fellow traveler what their favorite part of being a nurse was and they said, "Making a difference in someone's life who trusts you in their care". This is only one reason why their recognition will extend for more than just a week at Advantis Medical. We plan to show our support of their vocations for the entire month. 

Celebrate with us by giving the special nurse in your life a gift or act of kindness. Acknowledge their accomplishments and hard work as they continue to make life for their patients more manageable. Nurses show compassion, empathy, and can be a difference-maker in life-or-death situations. They assist patients when they may be confused or seriously injured. We all know a nurse, whether they are a family member, friend, or a nurse who cared for you personally. We encourage you to take time this month to show gratitude to our nation’s nurses and reflect on the impact they have had in our own lives and of those we cherish. 

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