Nurses Week to Be Celebrated May 6-12
By Jane Nelson, CAE, ONA CEO
Every year, Nurses Week focuses attention on the diverse ways Oklahoma’s almost 50,000 registered nurses work every day to improve the health of their patients. This year, “Nursing: The Balance of Mind, Body and Spirit “ is the selected theme. When nurses are healthy, it ensures the delivery of quality health care to their patients, families and communities.
The week begins on May 6, RN Recognition Day, and ends on May 12, Florence Nightingale’s birthday. Registered nurses around the country are encouraged to wear their “RN Pins” in honor of Nurses Week and RN Recognition Day.
The American Nurses Association (ANA) and the Oklahoma Nurses Association (ONA) have a long-standing commitment to ensuring the health and wellness of nurses in all settings. 2017 has been designated the “Year of the Healthy Nurse”.
Registered nurses are on the frontlines of our health delivery system, providing care to millions of people. As the largest group of health care workers with 3.5 million RNs, nurses are critical to America’s health care system. Their well being is fundamental to the health of our nation.
Health care delivery requires 24/7 support and the demands of shift work challenge the health of nurses. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses have the fourth highest rate of injuries and illnesses that result in days away from work when compared with all other occupations.
To celebrate the “Year of the Healthy Nurse”, ANA has launched the “Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation™ Grand Challenge” to support nurses in their strive to be healthier. The Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation Grand Challenge is a national movement, designed to improve the health of the nation’s 3.6 million registered nurses. A Grand Challenge is a socially beneficial goal that addresses a systemic and embedded problem through collaboration and joint leadership. ONA has joined forces with ANA on this Grand Challenge.
The Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation™ Grand Challenge will connect and engage individual nurses, employers of nurses, state nurse organizations, and specialty nurse associations to take action within five domains: physical activity, rest, nutrition, quality of life and safety.
It is our hope that Oklahoma nurses will take on the Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation Grand Challenge. Nurses have a critical responsibility to uphold the highest level of quality and standards in their practice, including fostering a healthy lifestyle. Tools and resources are available on the ONA and ANA websites: www.nursingworld.org.
So this week as you celebrate Nurses Week consider how you can make a difference in your life and in the life of your patients getting involved in the Health Nurse, Healthy Nation Grand Challenge
Officer-Jane Nelson, CAE was named the CEO of the Oklahoma Nurses Association in March 2002. She has more than 30 years of association management and marketing experience with a variety of organizations. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and a master’s degree from Michigan State University.
Nelson is a member of the American Society of Association Executives and the Oklahoma Society of Association Executives.
