THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CELEBRATES MAY 6-12 AS NATIONAL NURSES WEEK

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Health (DOH) recognizes nurses for their tremendous impact on public health during National Nurses Week, May 6-12. This year’s theme is “Nurses: Making a Difference Every Day.”

“Nurses are critical members of Florida’s health care professional community,” said Jean L. Kline, R.N., B.S.N., M.P.H., Deputy Secretary for Health – Public Health Programs and State Public Health Nursing Director. “This year’s theme, ‘Making a Difference Every Day’ captures the way nurses are making a difference in the lives of their patients and communities as well as the nursing profession each and every day. We want to honor the men and women who chose this challenging and rewarding career.”

Annually, National Nurses Week begins on May 6, marked as RN Recognition Day, and ends on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, founder of nursing as a modern profession. During this week, nurses will be honored through various statewide events, including rallies, community health screenings, hospital events, and receptions.

Traditionally, National Nurses Week highlights the diverse ways in which nurses, the nation’s largest health care profession, are working to improve health care. From bedside nursing in hospitals and long-term care facilities, to research institutions or public health nursing in communities, the depth and breadth of the nursing profession is meeting the expanding health care needs of the American society.

DOH promotes, protects and improves the health of all people in Florida. For more information about public health nursing, please visit the DOH website at www.doh.state.fl.us/PHNursing/index.html.