Published by: Maya Linson on 5/6/2011 10:02:32 AM
Today, NAPH is joining the American Nurses Association in celebrating Nurses Trusted to Care as part of National Nurses Week, held May 6-12 every year. The purpose of the weeklong celebration is to raise awareness of the value of nursing and help educate the public about the role nurses play in meeting the health care needs of the American people.
In honor of the dedication, commitment and tireless effort of the nearly 3.1 million registered nurses nationwide to promote and maintain the health of this nation, we are proud to recognize registered nurses everywhere for the quality work they provide seven days a week, 365 days a year. To celebrate their work, we will be posting guest blog entries from or about nursing leaders all week.
Traditionally, National Nurses Week is devoted to highlighting the diverse ways in which registered nurses 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. Today - the first day of National Nurses Week - is marked as RN Recognition Day, while the last day - May 12 - falls on the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of nursing as a modern profession.
To get things kicked off and put us all in the right frame of mind, I will leave you all with the following ...
This modified Hippocratic Oath was composed in 1893 by Mrs. Lystra E. Gretter and a Committee for the Farrand Training School for Nurses, Detroit, Mich. It was called the "Florence Nightingale Pledge" as a token of esteem for the founder of modern nursing.
I solemnly pledge myself before God and in the presence of this assembly, to pass my life in purity and to practice my profession faithfully. I will abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous, and will not take or knowingly administer any harmful drug. I will do all in my power to maintain and elevate the standard of my profession, and will hold in confidence all personal matters committed to my keeping and all family affairs coming to my knowledge in the practice of my calling. With loyalty will I endeavor to aid the physician in his work, and devote myself to the welfare of those committed to my care.