May 10-16, 2021 is National Nurses Week. This week draws attention to nurses, increasing the awareness of the public, policy-makers and governments of the many contributions of nursing to the well-being of Canadians.
Here are a few things you may not know about National Nurses Week:
  • In 1971, International Council of Nurses designated May 12, the birthday of nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale, as International Nurses Day.
  • In 1985, Canadian Nurses Association members passed a resolution to begin negotiations with the federal government to have the week containing May 12 proclaimed as National Nurses Week annually. 
  • Florence Nightingale, also known as “The Lady With the Lamp”, is regarded as the founder of modern nursing.
  • The nursing profession has evolved significantly since Nightingale’s efforts in the 19th century. Today, nursing is a gender-neutral profession, and there are many different career paths and certifications for nurses.
  • There’s a wide selection of nursing programs and nurses work in a range of settings including classrooms, community health departments, hospitals, businesses, home health care, and in labs.
  • More than half of all health professional students are nursing students.
During National Nursing Week, Canadian Nurses Association launched this video to bring greater attention to the role of nurses and how #WeAnswerTheCall?.
Thank you to all the Nurses that do so much for us each and every day. 

Filed under: CNA, National Nurses Week, Nurses, Thank You, We Answer The Call