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In the second week of May, National Nurses Week gives communities, employers, and individuals the opportunity to thank Nurses for all that they do. Nurses’ week ends on May 12 every year to commemorate Florence Nightingale, who was born on that day in 1820. Nightingale was an English social reformer who founded modern nursing. National Nurses’ Week officially began in 1993. 

Today, nurses continue to provide care, support, and treatment for the sick, dying, and injured while supporting their own families and communities. Nurses administer medications, assist in surgeries, treat patients beyond the initial diagnosis, provide mental support, and play many other key roles in health care. Nursing can be described as both an art and a science; a vocation both of heart and of mind.

This week, join us in honoring the vital role of nurses in our world as we highlight the importance of private duty and skilled nursing care, and discuss ways to honor these heroic figures.

Why are nurses a vital part of our community?                                              

Making up the largest share of health care jobs in the United States, nurses play a vital role in medical facilities and in their communities. Nurses are trained to treat the patient holistically, this means that they are focusing on healing the whole person, not just addressing a specific injury or illness. Nurses also act as a  caregiver for patients by managing physical and emotional needs, treating health conditions and preventing future health concerns. To do this, nurses must use their knowledge and experience to observe and monitor the patient and facilitate  the treatment and decision-making processes. The many duties of a Nurse include but are not limited to:

• communicating and collaborating with doctors 
• administering medications
• monitoring vital signs
• promoting healthy lifestyles
• advocating for patients and providing health education
• providing direct patient care

Nurses are vital in safeguarding public health. As key members of healthcare teams, they provide our communities with the knowledge needed for healthy living. 

What do nurses do for the home care community?  

Home Health Nursing is a nursing specialty in which nurses provide in-home care to patients of all ages and physical needs and abilities. Home Healthcare is a cost-efficient, respectful and comfortable way for the patient to receive care in the convenience of their own home. Home Health Nurses provide services such as:

• personalized medical care during surgery recovery
• administering infusion therapies 
• administering medications, including injections and other complex needs
• managing long-term conditions
• wound care 
• supervision of medication regimens 
• activities of daily living  
• support and education for new diagnoses
• escort and support for medical appointments
• companionship and advocacy during a hospitalization or other facility stay

True Care’s Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants provide clinical care, emotional support, and clear medical information to patients in the home or community setting. Communication  skills are one of the most important requirements of a nurse's job. That's why our nurses pride themselves in both following directions accurately and communicating with patients and families proactively. We empathize with the fact that patients who are sick or suffering often are not in a position of strength to speak up for themselves. Our licensed Nurses are trained to advocate for their patients in every setting, with the goals of:  

• empowering patients to engage in their own care when possible
• lowering hospital readmission rates
• reducing the length of hospital stays 
• maintaining a safe environment for patients
• reducing instances of hospital-acquired conditions                      

True Care’s Private Duty Nursing team is highly trained to assess the needs of those with complex medical conditions.

We offer assistance with the activities of daily living including: 

• bathing 
• grooming
• dressing
• light housekeeping
• meal preparation
• laundry

 and accompaniment to:

• doctor’s visits
• appointments
• grocery shopping
• family events
• religious services 

True Care staffs a vast team of multicultural health professionals who provide assistance and medical support for every client’s unique needs.

Becoming a Registered Nurse (RN)

Becoming an RN can be done in three fairly straightforward steps:

• Earn your degree-  Becoming an RN requires earning a nursing degree from an accredited institution. Ultimately, which degree is required and how long it takes to earn will depend on which state(s) you intend to work in.
• Pass the NCLEX exam- The NCLEX is designed to test one’s knowledge in key areas of the field of Nursing to ensure that they are prepared to execute the requirements of the job safely. In order to obtain a state license, you will need to pass this exam after obtaining a degree.
• Get a license-  After successfully passing the NCLEX, a nursing license in the state of practice is also required. Those who live in a border area or would otherwise like to work in multiple states, will need to obtain a license from each state (some states honor the license of other jurisdictions). Each state is different, so be sure to check guidelines and regulations ahead of time. 

While seeking advanced training after licensing is optional (since a license already guarantees nursing status), seeking extra training might be useful for those aspiring to work with infusion therapies, in oncology units, on surgical wards, and in other specialized areas.. Some programs require more training or experience in these cases.

True Care’s licensed team of infusion therapy nurses must have a minimum of 5 years RN experience in a hospital setting. Our RNs  work directly with our clients, traveling between cases across the five boroughs and neighboring counties in the New York City Metropolitan area. 

How can we honor nurses during Nurses’ Week?  

While burnout is possible in any industry, its healthcare workers such as nurses who may be most at risk. From navigating a global pandemic to combating chronic staffing shortages, nurses have been working harder than ever in the past few years  to keep their communities healthy. National Nurses’ Week is the perfect opportunity to show these health care heroes how much their selfless service means. Here are some ways to show appreciation during national nurse’s week: 

• Promote National Nurses’ Week - Spread the news of National Nurses Week within the community by notifying your friends and neighbors. You can find articles, podcasts, and blogs about nurses and Nurses’ Week and share these resources within your community and/or on your social media platforms. 
• Give a Nurse a gift- Visit the local hospital or clinic and gift the nurses with fresh flowers, hand made cards, or thank you letters. Simply visiting and thanking the nurses for their consistent hard work goes a long way!
• Honor the nurses on duty- A great way for nurses to be honored on Nurse’s Week is within their workplace. Health care administrators can show their appreciation to the nurses in their organization by:
  • giving them gifts and treats 
  • hosting a team lunch 
  • decorating nurses stations
  • giving out thank you notes and flowers 
  • hosting a meditation/ yoga relaxation series
  • honoring their accomplishments with awards and recognition

Conclusion

The unique contribution of nursing to health care and society can be demonstrated by nurses' role as primary caregivers. They continuously assist their patients  physically and psychologically, while preserving their dignity. They make sure patients and their families receive the best possible care, regardless of the type of environment they're in. Their acts of kindness have even been shown to improve outcomes for many patients. 

This national nurse’s week, take the time to appreciate the vital role of nurses, and empathize with how much they’ve been through these last few years. Across the country, day-in and day-out, the care and dedication that nurses provide to the most essential aspects of our well being is irreplaceable.