Thank a nurse for National Nurses Week Published May 6, 2015 By Lt. Col. Steve Sapiera 412th Medical Group chief nurse EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- National Nurses Week begins each year May 6 and ends on May 12. The nursing profession has been supported and promoted by the American Nurses Association since 1896. This year's theme is, "Ethical practice; Quality care". According to the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, the inspiration for National Nurses Week highlights the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, which is celebrated May 12. The history of the nursing profession dates back to the 1850s when Florence Nightingale served as a nurse in the Crimean War. During this time, Nightingale assessed the need for scrutiny of unsanitary conditions in hospitals. Her work with the sanitary commission directly led to reduced death rates among the soldiers. Some of her accomplishments include, but are not limited to, health care reforms improving all sections of British society; the improvement of health care delivery; improved hunger relief in India and the expansion of acceptable forms of female participation in the workforce. Since 1953, there have been several proposals to proclaim a nurses' recognition day. However, it wasn't until February 1982, when the ANA Board of Directors formally acknowledged May 6 as "National Nurses Day." The action affirmed a joint resolution of the United States Congress designating May 6 as "National Recognition Day for Nurses." The Air Force Nurse Corps celebrates this week as Nurse and Medical Technician Appreciation Week. This week-long celebration raises awareness of the value of nursing and helps educate the public about the role that nurses and technicians play in meeting the health care needs of the American people. Airmen are encouraged to thank their nurses and medical technicians throughout the year.