FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 6, 2015

Contact: Communications Office
(850) 245-4111

TALLAHASSEE—The Florida Department of Health recognizes May 6–12, 2015, as National Nurses Week. Annually, National Nurses Week begins on May 6 and continues through May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, founder of nursing as a modern profession. Every year, National Nurses Week focuses attention on the diverse ways registered nurses work to save lives and improve the health of millions of individuals. This year's theme, Ethical Practice, Quality Care, focuses on the critical responsibility of all nurses to uphold the highest level of quality and ethical standards in their practice to ensure the delivery of superior health care to patients, families and society.

"Nurses Week reminds us all of our nurses' commitments to compassionate, quality health care for Florida's children, adults and families," said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. "Nurses are important members of the health care team."

"Twenty-four hours of every day, someone is being cared for by a registered nurse," said Willa Fuller, executive director for the Florida Nurses Association. "We recognize the significant contribution of nurses in diverse work environments across our state employing the science of caring to make a difference for our citizens."

"The Florida Center for Nursing extends a huge thank you to our incredible nurses who deliver the highest level of quality care with compassion and commitment," said Mary Lou Brunnell, MSN, RN, executive director for the Florida Center for Nursing.

Earlier this week, Governor Rick Scott signed a proclamation declaring May 6–12 Florida Nurse Week. This day of recognition serves as an opportunity to reaffirm the respect and appreciation Florida residents have for the significant health care contributions of registered nurses. An annual Gallup survey shows the public has ranked nursing as the top profession for honesty and ethical standards for 13 straight years.

Nurses are well suited to manage complex multifaceted population health issues such as addressing Florida's number one health threat, weight. Nurses are in an ideal position to promote healthy lifestyle patterns that reduce the risks of being overweight or obese. For example, breastfeeding, physical activity and nutrition are all areas where nurses are helping to reduce the risk of obesity.

The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.floridahealth.gov.