HCMC Celebrates National Nurses Week 2017

Paris, TN – The American Nurses Association (ANA) and Henry County Medical Center are proud to continue the commitment to help improve the health and wellness of nurses and the patients and communities they serve as part of 2017’s National Nurses Week.

Founded by ANA, National Nurses Week is observed each year from May 6 through May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale. The week recognizes the significant contributions nurses make to improve the health of the nation. This year’s theme for National Nurses Week is “The Balance of Mind, Body and Spirit.” With a focus on self-care, ANA has also designated 2017 as the “Year of the Healthy Nurse.” Each month, ANA is highlighting various health, safety, and wellness topics to help nurses achieve their best health ever.

“Our focus on improving the health of America’s nurses goes beyond self-care,” said ANA President Pamela F. Cipriano, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN.  “Every time a nurse interacts with a patient, he or she has an opportunity to be a role model for good health.  And a healthy nurse is more likely to talk to a patient about how to get healthy, and is more credible when promoting those behaviors. That’s how nurses can help change the health of America.”

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. Henry County Medical Center is celebrating this year’s recognition with #fitnursefriday, having hosted a walk at HCMC on May 5 and again on May 12.  Also, nursing administration provided breakfast to the nurses this week as well as a gift and has other activities planned for the nursing staff of the organization.  Additionally, HCMC will host a birthday party celebration on May 12, Florence Nightingale’s birthday, for the entire organization.

In another effort to help nurses get and stay healthy, the ANA Enterprise launched the Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation™ Grand Challenge on May 1. This national initiative aims to transform the health of the nation by improving the health of America’s 3.6 million registered nurses. The Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation™ Grand Challenge will connect and engage individual nurses, employers of nurses, state nurses associations, and specialty nurses associations to take action to improve their health in five key areas: physical activity, rest, nutrition, quality of life, and safety.

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 registered 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.

Located in Paris, TN, Henry County Medical Center is a progressive, integrated healthcare organization committed to serving the healthcare needs of Henry County and the adjoining region. Including a 142-bed hospital and other facilities, the medical center provides a variety of outpatient services, as well as inpatient care. Henry County Medical Center is a county-owned and operated nonprofit institution. For more information: www.hcmc-tn.org.