It’s National Nurses Week! From May 9 to 15, 2016, when we celebrate and honor nurses nationwide (in both Canada and the U.S.). International Nurses Day also falls on Thursday, May 12, a date that also coincides with Florence Nightingale’s birthday.
This week, take the time to thank a nurse for the effort, compassion, professionalism, and vital care they give every step of the way in home care, hospitals, nursing homes, public health units, and community health centers. Nurses are the backbone of our health care system, which is why in Canada, the 2016 theme for National Nurses Week is “Nurses: with you every step of the way”. You can also use the social media hashtag #NNW2016 to show appreciation for nursing professionals and their dedication to health. Let’s take a look at nine fun nursing facts to celebrate National Nurses Week…
1. Who Was Florence Nightingale?
As mentioned in the intro, International Nurses Day (on May 12th) is also what would have been Florence Nightingale’s birthday. Florence is considered a pioneer in nursing for her work during the Crimean War, which ranged from 1853 to 1856.
According to the Registered Nursing Association of Ontario, in Canada, Florence was called the “Lady with the Lamp”, tirelessly tending to wounded soldiers in various hospitals during the night. Florence’s compassion, commitment, and patient care is considered a model for the modern nursing profession. Thus, International Nurses Day coincides with her birthday.
