Chambana Sun

In recognition of National Nurses Week, Rep. Adam Niemerg acknowledged the valuable contributions made by nurses to the healthcare industry in a Facebook post on May 7.

Hailing from Teutopolis, Rep. Niemerg is currently serving his second elected term, having been first elected in 2020. He resides in Dieterich in Effingham County with his wife, Trina, and two young children. The observance is an opportunity to celebrate the dedication and hard work of nurses, who tirelessly provide care and comfort to patients.

"Thank you, Nurses, for all that you do to keep us safe, strong, and healthy through some of our most difficult moments," Niemerg wrote. "We appreciate the tremendous work you do to care for others and for your perseverance, commitment, and all that you do to strengthen our healthcare system."

The dates for National Nurses Week are May 6-12, and these dates are considered permanent as per Census.gov. The end of the week also coincides with the birth date of Florence Nightingale. The American Community Survey conducted in 2021 reported that there are 109,545,164 nurses across all specialties in the United States.

The American Nurses Association (ANA) has been a supporter of the nursing profession for over a century. One of the many ways that the ANA has supported nurses is by promoting National Nurses Week. This week, which is celebrated annually in the United States, is a time to honor the contributions of nurses to the healthcare industry.

The history of National Nurses Week can be traced back to 1954 when it was first observed from October 11 to 16. The observance coincided with the 100th anniversary of Florence Nightingale's mission to Crimea. Representative Frances P. Bolton sponsored the bill for a nurse week, but a bill for a National Nurse Week was introduced in the 1955 Congress with no action taken. Congress discontinued its practice of joint resolutions for national weeks of various kinds.

In January of 1974, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) proclaimed that May 12 would be "International Nurse Day" in honor of Florence Nightingale's birthday. Since 1965, the ICN has celebrated "International Nurse Day." In February of the same year, a week was designated by the White House as National Nurse Week, and President Nixon issued a proclamation.

In 1993, the ANA Board of Directors designated May 6-12 as permanent dates to observe National Nurses Week in 1994 and in all subsequent years. The end of the week coincides with the birthday of Florence Nightingale.

National Nurses Week is a time for communities and healthcare organizations to honor nurses for their contributions to the healthcare field. It is a week of celebration, education, and recognition for the hard work and dedication of nurses. During this week, healthcare organizations often hold events to recognize and celebrate their nurses, such as award ceremonies, banquets, and educational programs. These events are a way to show appreciation and support for the nurses who work tirelessly to provide care and comfort to patients.

The importance of nurses cannot be overstated. They are often the first point of contact for patients and their families, and they play a crucial role in providing care and support to those in need. National Nurses Week is a time to honor and appreciate nurses for their contributions to the healthcare industry. It is a week of celebration, education, and recognition for the hard work and dedication of nurses. We owe a debt of gratitude to all the nurses who work tirelessly to provide care and comfort to patients.