Amistaff Healthcare Technology extends a special note of gratification to the 2.9 million registered nurses in America who chose a profession of saving lives and maintaining the health of millions.  Your fervor and commitment for the demanding field of healthcare deserves much recognition.

The American Nursing Association (ANA) chose “Nurses: Building a Healthy America” as the theme for National Nurses Week 2009.  Being the largest sector of healthcare professions, ANA sees the allegiance of nurses as having the power to succeed in reforming nursing and healthcare. Whether through securing staff competency for a safe and healthy working environment, or restructuring the healthcare system to promote community wellness, the ANA designates nurses as owning the voices to lead the reformation.

A brief history of National Nurses Week

• 1974: The International Council of Nurses announced May 12 as “International Nurse Day” in observance of Florence Nightingale’s birthday – the founder of modern nursing.
• 1982: President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation declaring “National Recognition Day for Nurses” to be May 6, 1982.
• 1990: The ANA Board of Directors extended the recognition of nurses to a week-long celebration, May 6-12.
• 1993: The ANA Board of Directors pronounced May 6-12 the permanent dates to observe National Nurses Week for all subsequent years.
• 1997: Per the request of the National Student Nurses Association, the ANA Board of Directors selected May 8 as National Student Nurses Day.

To all of the nursing students currently stressing over upcoming exams, or celebrating the successful completion of another semester, thank you for choosing the career of nursing.  Your hard work and dedication will pay off as you reap the rewards of bettering the lives of individuals.