National Nurses Week runs May 6th through May 12th. The celebratory week culminates on Florence Nightingale’s birthday. May 12th is recognized as International Nurses Day by the International Council of Nurses. This year marks the 30th year of celebrating National Nurses Week.

I have been a nurse for 24 years this June. I still remember the day I took my NCLEX exam. I also remember my first job as a nurse tech, as a new graduate registered nurse, as a travel nurse, and every other nursing role that has led me to where I am today.

I believe that the education, training, preparation and experience of becoming and being a nurse prepares you with the ability to not only assess someone but also something. Your nursing knowledge, skills, and abilities are necessary not just in your day to day work but in your life as well.

Additionally, being a nurse holds so many opportunities for you. Whether you opt to change direct care areas of focus, choose to travel, choose to pursue an advanced practice role, choose leadership, education, informatics, or any other role, there is that possibility for you to explore.

Nursing as a profession has a long history of evolving and advancing through the determination, intelligence, and forward thinking nature of other nurses.

Today in 2024, we continue to extend the boundaries of where nurses can and do have an impact on the delivery of quality care to others.

You may be inspired by Florence Nightingale, Mary Seacole, Clara Barton, Anita Dorr, Mary Mahoney, or any other nurse in the world who has advocated for better.

Now consider that someone may be inspired by you and your nursing abilities, your role, your education, your accomplishments and/or any other characteristic or attribute that differentiates you from the nurse next to you.

Happy International Nurses Day to you! May you have a year that provides you with continued inspiration and meaningful moments as a nurse.

~ Dr. Kelley