National Nurses Week continues through Wednesday, from May 6-12, a time to honor the nation’s 4 million nurses delivering exceptional care across all settings, including vital home health care.
As we noted in an alert to members last week, this year’s observances are especially meaningful. “Indeed, over the last few months, the world has marveled at the resiliency, professionalism and impact that nurses are making in the lives of individuals in their communities affected by COVID-19.”
Meanwhile, well before the pandemic, the World Health Organization had designated 2020 as the Year of the Nurse and Midwife, in honor of Florence Nightingale’s 200th birthday on May 12 (which is the culmination of Nurses Week). The global health crisis has only made this Year of the Nurse truer.
2020 is certainly like no other to celebrate the contributions of nursing professionals.
This year’s celebration is an opportunity to celebrate nurses but also inform the public, the media and elected officials about the role or nursing in home care. This area of recognition is important at all times and never more so than in a time of crisis.
Please share your organization’s stories about the dedicated work of home care nurses on social media and in outreach to traditional media. In doing so, explain the value of home care nursing to help patients recover from COVID-19 and address underlying conditions exacerbated by the public health emergency.
For any stories or news you share on social media, please use the hashtag #nursesweek. And please let HCA know about it so that we can amplify your message.