Florence Nightingale is said to be the “Mother of Nursing” helping to mold the nursing profession into what we know it as today. She was born on May 12th, 1820. Due to her advocacy for hygiene, nursing care, training, and higher standards she created the foundation of what nursing looks like today. Because of her successful efforts, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) proclaimed May 12th (Nightengale’s birthday) as International Nurse’s Day in 1974. Despite many attempts to recognize nurses in the US-the first documented attempt in 1953- it wasn’t until after the ICN proclaimed Nurse’s Day that the White House designated National Nurse Week in America. Four years later, Governor Brendon Byrne declared May 6th as Nurses Day in the state of New Jersey. By 1982, the American Nurses Association (ANA) formally acknowledged the day as well. Closely followed by the US Congress and then a proclamation signed by Ronald Reagan on March 25th.
In 1990, the ANA expanded recognition of nurses to a week-long celebration that still stands today. From May 6th to May 12th every year in the United States, we celebrate National Nurse’s Week. In ‘93 the dates were set and ordered to remain the same in all subsequent years. 4 years later, the National Student Nurses Association designated May 8th as National Student Nurses Day. Florence would have likely encouraged the celebration of those who are working on their education, but not quite nurses yet.
This year we recognize the nurses of BSMC: Ashley Allderdice-Jacobi, RN, DON, Jessica Ophus, RN, Randy Pearson, RN, Billie Skelton, RN, Danielle Leeds, RN, Lorraine Hanson, RN, Samantha Potter, LPN, Sarah Bond, LPN and our current traveling nurses, Gena Bass, RN and Renae Wade, LPN. Without this great team of nurses, the facility would not be able to stay open. These nurses care for your loved ones, or maybe even for you. They are the backbone of the facility; be sure to offer them a ‘thank you’ for being of service to our community 24/7/365.
As we celebrate nurses in the nation, we must also recognize the hospitals for which they are employed. National Hospital Week is slated for May 7-13 this year. Hospital Week was initially created in 1921, as ‘Hospital Day’ by the National Hospital Association (NHA). It was designed as a strategy to help rebuild confidence in hospitals following the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918. Over 30 years later, in 1953, the day was extended to a week to allow for further education for the public around health and services hospitals provide.
At BSMC Hospital Week is celebrated with fervor every year. With dress up days, special food on the menu, and lot’s of fun, it’s quite the party. Lisa Sipler and her team of helpers create something to remember for the residents, the staff, and the community. Be watching for the story covering the week’s festivities in a future issue. Community members are invited to attend the Ice Cream Social, being held Friday May 12 at 2:00 pm at the BSMC dining room/courtyard. Rub elbows with the nurses and hospital staff, visit with the residents and enjoy the beautiful day with some tasty ice cream.
