A week of gratitude

Though we will be celebrating Nurses Week at VA, we want to also celebrate the care they provide every other day of the year. Generations of nurses past and present have proudly served our Veterans – full of tenacity, passion and an innovative spirit. They represent the backbone of what Veterans have come to rely on for their physical, social and emotional well-being.

National Nurses Day is celebrated on May 6 to raise awareness of the important role nurses play in society. This day marks the beginning of National Nurses Week, which concludes on May 12, the birthday of the English nurse Florence Nightingale. She became known as the founder of professional nursing, due to her pioneering work during the Crimean War (1853-1856).

Since then, Nightingale has been the enduring symbol of selfless dedication and care, epitomizing the essence of nursing. The American Nurses Association encourages its state and territorial nurses associations (along with other related organizations) to honor our Nation’s nurses for their tireless commitment during this weeklong celebration.

Providing care for Veterans and their family members of all ages, our nurses bring world-class care in a variety of settings, such as neo-natal intensive care, cardiac care, neurology and more. Diligent and dedicated, our nurses are improving care every day.

From establishing treatment plans, treating medical emergencies, administering medication, and performing diagnostic tests, they are involved in every step of the healing process. In most cases, nurses go beyond their responsibilities to providing emotional support for Veterans with a truly human touch. Though we honor them during Nurses Week, we admire and applaud their contributions every single day.

Find out more about VA nursing at VAcareers.va.gov/nursing.