National Nurses Week Honoring Heroes

National Nurses Week: Honoring Heroes

National Nurses Week begins on May 6, 2023 and is celebrated through May 12, 2023.

Sierra Health + Wellness Centers honors the heroic contributions, dedication and sacrifices of nurses.

May 6 is National Nurses Day – May 12 is the birthdate of celebrated nurse Florence Nightingale.

Whether at at Sierra Health + Wellness Centers or in hospitals, schools, nursing homes, hospice facilities, or private homes – nurses provide a high level of care to their patients. Nursing has always been a profession that needs more than just time and comprehensive knowledge. Nursing also requires heart, passion, and dedication to serving others.

Nurses are essential and valuable members of America’s healthcare workforce providing care through every stage of life; caring for patients at their most critical and vulnerable moments.

Nurses work in a wide range of specialties and settings – from school nurses who administer vaccines to highly specialized oncology nurses who assist in life-saving treatment decisions.

According to the American Nurses Association, the 2023 theme is “You Make a Difference.” The week is just a part of the larger National Nurses Month, which is celebrated from May 1 to the 31st.

Per the ANA, there are 4 weekly focus areas highlighted this year.

May 1-7: Self-Care

May 8-14: Recognition

May 15 -20: Professional Development

May 22-31: Community Engagement

Florence Nightingale: ‘The Lady with the Lamp’ Founder of Modern Nursing

Florence gained the nickname ‘the Lady with the Lamp’ during her work at Scutari. ‘The Times’ reported that at night she would walk among the beds, checking the wounded men holding a light in her hand. The image of ‘the Lady with the Lamp’ captured the public’s imagination and Florence soon became a celebrity.

Florence Nightingale (1820-1910), known as “The Lady With the Lamp,” was a British nurse, social reformer and statistician best known as the founder of modern nursing.

In the Victoria Era, nursing was not considered to be a profession worthy of ‘well brought-up young ladies’. Born into a wealthy family, Florence overcame the narrow opportunities offered to girls of her station. In 1851, despite the disapproval of her family, she completed a course of nursing training in Germany.

Her experiences as a nurse during the Crimean War were foundational in her views about sanitation. She often worked long into the night and gained the nickname “The Lady with the Lamp”. She would wander the halls of the hospital long after dark, holding a lamp and tending to patients.

Other soldiers nicknamed her the “Angel of Crimea” as the hospital’s death rates were reduced by two-thirds. Florence not only cleaned up the hospital and helped its patients, but she also improved the services there. She created a kitchen and a laundry to ensure that patients had clean linen, which would prevent the spread of disease.

As a nursing manager on the frontlines in the Crimea, Nightingale introduced hygiene protocols and other measures that drastically reduced infections and deaths in battlefield hospitals.

Her work in the Crimea set the standards for modern nursing. For the rest of her life, she continued to campaign for improved sanitary conditions in both military and civilian hospitals. She established St. Thomas’s Hospital and the Nightingale Training School for Nurses in 1860. Her efforts to reform healthcare upgraded the quality of care in the 19th and 20th centuries.

National Nurses Week Freebies and Discounts

Firehouse Subs’ free sandwich deal May 6 and May 7

Firehouse Subs is offering nurses a free medium sub with the purchase of an additional medium or large sub, chips and drink, on May 6 and May 7. Just show proof of employment to get the offer.

Green Chef

Green Chef offers 70% off + Free Shipping on your first Green Chef box, plus free shipping and 15% off other orders for the next year to nurses who verify their eligibility through ID.me.

Hello Fresh

Hello Fresh is offering nurses with ID.me verification 55% off, plus free shipping on their first Hello Fresh order and ongoing 15% off.

MOD Pizza on May 9

Mod Pizza has a Buy One, Get One Free MOD-size pizza or salad offer for nurses that present valid ID on May 9, 2023. This offer is available at all Mod Pizza locations.

Potbelly Sandwich Shop has free cookie or drink for nurses, teachers

Potbelly will give teachers and nurses a free cookie or regular-sized soft drink when they purchase an entrée May 6 through May 12. Just show your work ID or badge when ordering any entrée (sandwich, salad, soup, or pick your pair; in-shop orders only).

McAlister’s Deli

Nurses and teachers can get a free 32-ounce tea through May 10 by showing valid medical or educator ID at participating at McAlister’s Deli locations. No purchase necessary, but limit one per person; not valid on flavored shots or other beverages. Must order in person for dine in and takeout orders only.

Northern California and Nevada Addiction Recovery and Wellness

• Each patient is evaluated by New Start Recovery Solutions or Recovery Happens Counseling Services staff and receives a biopsychosocial assessment; and an individualized treatment plan.

• We use Mindfulness for Relapse Prevention and other whole person evidence-based therapies; including CBT, DBT, Brainspotting, yoga and more.

• If you or your loved one is located in Silicon Valley, San Francisco, Bay Area, San Rafael, Monterey, Sacramento, Fair Oaks, Redding, Martinez or Reno – and are dealing with a drug abuse or an alcohol use disorder – welcome to evidence-based whole person addiction treatment at New Start Recovery Solutions and Recovery Happens Counseling Services.

• New Start Recovery Solutions and Recovery Happens Counseling Services are VA Community Care Providers; in-network with TriWest.

• Our trauma-informed dual diagnosis treatment is effective for PTSD, depression, anxiety and more.

• Veteran PTSD Treatment Programs – Residential and Outpatient.

• Treatment Programs for First Responders, Union Members and Professionals.

Please call 866-303-6275 for more information, or feel welcome to Contact Us.