Every year, National Nurses Week focuses attention on the diverse ways America’s 3 million registered nurses work to save lives and to improve the health of millions of individuals. This year, the American Nurses Association (ANA) has selected “Nurses Inspire, Innovate and Influence” as the theme for 2018.

The ANA supports and encourages National Nurses Week recognition programs through the state and district nurse’s associations, other specialty nursing organizations, educational facilities, and independent health care companies and institutions.

Annually, National Nurses Week begins May 6, marked as RN Recognition Day, and ends May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, founder of nursing as a modern profession. During this week, Centra will honor its nursing staff through various activities. Traditionally, National Nurses Week is devoted to highlighting the diverse ways in which registered nurses, who comprise the largest health care profession, 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