National Nurses Week

May 6, 7:51 PMNewark Holidays ExaminerNoreen Braman

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Over the years, there have been many attempts to establish an official day to honor those who serve others as a nurse. In 1953 an unsuccessful appeal was made to President Eisenhower and again in 1954 and 1955 resolutions were attempted in Congress, but never passed.

Since 1974, nursing organizations have been celebrating "Nurses Day" on May 12, in honor of the birthday of Florence Nightingale. Governor Brendan Byrne of New Jersey declared a "Nurses Day" in 1978, and finally in 1982 Congress declared May 6 as "National Recognition Day for Nurses," and a proclamation was signed by Ronald Reagan.

In 1993 the American Nursing Association formally extended the celebration to permanently be celebrated each year May 6 -12. This year, the theme is Building a Healthy America. More information can be found on the American Nurses Association web page.

Some of the things going on for Nurses week in New Jersey:

WMGQ Radio of New Brunswick broadcasts live from local hospitals

The Karen Anne Quinlan Hospice Center Celebrates Nurses Week

NJ Nurse and Author discusses the need for nurses