Celebrating National Nurses Week

By Serena Bumpus, DNP, RN, NEA-BC

Nurses across the great state of Texas have exhibited an insurmountable amount of courage and compassion over the last year. I know we are all ready to put COVID-19 behind us. However, it is important to acknowledge the hard work and dedication nurses have exhibited during this stressful time. Last year, we were supposed to celebrate Nurses Month during the Year of the Nurse, but COVID-19 had other plans for us. The World Health Organization decided to extend the celebrations into 2021 and once again celebrate nurses for the entire month of May.

The official tagline for Nurses Month 2021 is You Make a Difference. This tagline represents the impact nurses have on the health of Texans and health care in Texas. In addition to celebrating nurses the entire month, there are more specific celebrations throughout the week. May 6 — the start of Nurses Week — is National School Nurses Day, May 8 is National Student Nurses Day, and May 12 is International Nurses Day as well as Florence Nightingale’s Birthday. Acknowledging these specific days are another great way to recognize the amazing work nurses do inside their work environment and communities.

Governor Greg Abbott has signed a proclamation to kick off Nurses Week from May 6-12. Furthermore, the American Nurses Association will have a different focus each week during the month of May. Look at what is in store every week.

Week 1 | May 1-7, Self-Care

It is time for all nurses to focus on their own emotional and physical well-being. The last year has taken its toll on everyone and self-care is more important today than it has ever been. Take advantage of all the free professional development opportunities offered throughout the month. Engage in a healthy activity or join a challenge that aims to improve your health and well-being. You can find great ideas for this in Healthy Nurse Healthy Nation.

Week 2 | May 8-14, Recognition

Celebrate one another! Raise the visibility of those who have influenced you in your professional career. Start your own social media campaign to recognize your peers and why they make a difference! You can follow me on social media ― and see my TikTok debut! ― to learn who has influenced my career every day this week!

• Facebook: Serena Stratton Bumpus
• Instagram: @srbumpus
• Twitter: @SerenaBumpus
• TikTok: @nursebumpus

You can also follow TNA on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram as we recognize our nurses of the year who were nominated and voted for by their peers for this prestigious honor.  

Other ways to recognize the great work nurses do is to write an article or opinion piece for your local newspaper or community blog. This is a great time to educate the community on the importance of nurses and what we do.

Week 3 | May 15-21, Professional Development

One of our ethical obligations is to ensure we are constantly learning. During this week, and throughout the month, take advantage of the multiple educational opportunities available to you. Focus on how you can excel and lead in your professional career and inspire others in their own journey. Consider becoming a mentor to another nurse. This is a very rewarding way to share your experiences and grow others.

Week 4 | May 22-29, Community Engagement

Nurses play a critical role in the health care infrastructure. Without nurses, that infrastructure would crumble. Our month-long celebration is a great way to engage the community in celebrating nurses and their contribution in your area. Organize a candlelight vigil, if permitted, to honor the dedication and commitment of the nurses in your community who have fallen ill due to COVID-19. Discuss current and ongoing health care issues with elected officials at the local, state or federal level. Encourage your elected officials to be visible and accountable for their positions on health care. This is a great opportunity for media coverage as well.

There is a lot to celebrate this month. With all that nurses have endured over the last year, this celebration is warranted and well-deserved! Take some time to reflect on you and your great work and recognize the great work of your peers!