National Nurses Week to be celebrated at PCH May 6-12

National Nurses Week annually focuses attention on the diverse ways America's nurses work to save lives and to improve the health of millions of individuals.

This year, the American Nurses Association (ANA) has selected "Delivering Quality and Innovation in Patient Care " as the theme for 2013.

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

Annually, National Nurses Week begins on May 6, marked as RN Recognition Day, and ends on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, founder of nursing as a modern profession.

During that week, nurses at Putnam County Hospital will be celebrated and recognized for their hard work and dedication to giving the best care to patients.

ANA, through its state and constituent member associations, advances the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting economic and general welfare, promoting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and lobbying Congress and the regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public.

Traditionally, National Nurses Week is devoted to highlighting the diverse ways in which 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.