National Nurses Week Focuses on 'Building a Healthy America'
The American Nurses Association (ANA) has announced the theme of National Nurses Week 2009, “Nurses: Building a Healthy America.” National Nurses Week is celebrated annually from May 6 (also known as National Nurses Day) through May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.
“This year’s theme reflects the commitment nurses make every day in building a healthy America for the public we serve,” said ANA President Rebecca M. Patton, MSN, RN, CNOR. “ANA has long advocated for meaningful health system reform and in 2008 re-released ANA’s Health System Reform Agenda, (http://www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/HealthcareandPolicyIssues/HSR.aspx), an ANA blueprint for reform that focuses on the basic “core” of essential health care services, which is essential in building a healthy America for everyone.”
During National Nurses Week, ANA reaffirms its commitment to improve the quality of health care and the working conditions of nurses. The growing shortage of RNs poses a real threat to the nation’s health care system and the public’s health, and ANA is dedicated to fighting for a workplace environment that will encourage current nurses to continue in their careers, and inspire young men and women to consider nursing as a profession.
Annually, National Nurses Week focuses on highlighting the diverse ways in which registered nurses are working to improve health care. From bedside nursing in hospitals and long-term care facilities to the halls of research institutions, state legislatures, and Congress, the depth and breadth of the nursing profession is meeting the expanding health care needs of American society.
For more information on National Nurses Week, visit http://www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/ANAMarketplace/NationalNursesWeek.aspx.