The American Nurses Association (ANA) National Nurses Week theme for 2018 “Nurses: Inspire, Innovate, Influence” recognizes that RNs provide the highest level of quality care to patients and deserve special recognition for their efforts to inspire, innovate, and influence every day. ANA is proud to celebrate the significant contributions nurses make to improve the health of the nation during National Nurses Week, May 6 through 12, which begins on the birthday of Florence Nightingale.

“Nurses are natural inventors and problem solvers, and they are using their ideas to improve healthcare,” said ANA President Pam Cipriano, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN. “We have to raise the awareness that nurses truly have solutions if given the time and support to develop their ideas.”

ANA has also designated 2018 as the Year of Advocacy to highlight how nurses have used their influence to shape and bring about change at the #BedsideAndBeyond. Read about the nurses who are a making difference in “Everyday Advocacy”.

Access National Nurses Week Resource Toolkit

Nurses, hospitals, and other healthcare stakeholders are encouraged to download the National Nurses Week Resource Toolkit, which includes materials to help promote this annual observance in local communities and in the media. This year’s toolkit is packed with useful information and resources, including a thank-you card, the official logo library, a large banner, a certificate of appreciation, pertinent articles, and tips for working with the media.

The resource page includes links to the ANA National Nurses Week official store, featuring ways to recognize RNs with practical and personal gifts—lunch bags, tote bags, mugs, tumblers, premium apparel, journals, pens, lapel pins, and more.

Attend the ANA National Nurses Week webinar

Tune in for ANA’s free webinar during National Nurses Week: “Emerging technology and its impact on nursing practice.” The webinar, which will cover technology trends in healthcare and discuss the impact of technology on nursing practice, is scheduled for May 9 at 1 PM ET. Register by May 8 at 7 PM. The recording will be accessible until December 31.

Show your spirit on social media

Customize your social media accounts to show your RN pride and support at #NursesWeek. Find social media graphics in the National Nurses Week Resources Toolkit.