Gratitude for all you do, every day

National Nurses Week, celebrated each year, May 6–12, marks a dedicated time for the public, organizations, and leaders at all levels to recognize the exceptional contributions nurses make every day (nursingworld.org/nurses-week). The American Nurses Enterprise leads this national observance proudly—shining a spotlight on The Power of Nurses™ and the profound impact nurses have on individuals, families, and communities across the country.

The incredible expertise, boundless compassion, and relentless determination of nurses to transform healthcare experiences and improve health outcomes for all is The Power of Nurses. This inspires and propels the enterprise and our wholehearted commitment to nurturing nurses’ growth and amplifying their voices and impact.

I especially want to recognize our nation’s 5 million nurses for how you show up in every moment—in practice and as you go about your daily lives. Being a nurse comes across in everything you do. That’s why nurses have been named the most honest and ethical professionals for 23 consecutive years—a testament to your unwavering character and commitment.

I’m grateful that we have a bipartisan, bi­cameral Congressional Nursing Caucus that goes beyond recognizing nurses during National Nurses Week. These policymakers actively champion policies that address the most urgent challenges facing the nursing profession—ensuring an adequate workforce, expanding patients’ timely access to care, and prioritizing our safety and well-being.

During National Nurses Week, more landmarks and healthcare hubs than ever beamed their sup­port as part of #NursesLightUpTheSky. This remarkable visual tribute presented an opportunity for everyone to recognize and honor the nurses in their community and share in the celebration. American Nurses Association constituent and state nurses associations also hosted meetups in select cities.

The association was pleased to offer three webinars on nursing issues, including the third Mary Eliza Mahoney lecture, which honored Mahoney’s lifelong commitment to social justice. This session explored Provision 9 of the revised Code of Ethics for Nurses, which calls on nurses and professional organizations to promote social justice, eliminate health inequities, and facilitate human flourishing.

National Nurses Week also gave anyone whose life has been touched by a nurse the opportunity to say thank you through a donation to the American Nurses Foundation (nursingworld.org/donate). The foundation uses these funds to inspire nursing innovation and support a diverse and healthy nursing workforce that benefits the entire healthcare system. Foundation resources such as Nurse Well-Being: Building Peer and Leadership Support—developed by nurses for nurses—are avail­able for free to all nurses (nursingworld.org/foundation/programs/nurse-wellbeing).

We’re on duty 24/7, competently and compassionately practicing wherever healthcare and leadership take place—in critical care units and still moments at patients’ bedsides, classrooms and boardrooms, and clinics and homes. The difference we make for all recipients of care leaves a lasting legacy. In this spirit of reflection and celebration, please consider thanking a nurse whom you work with or admire. Some nurses may be struggling with changes and challenges in their workplaces and in the profession. A touch of gratitude and optimism could make their day and inspire a chain reaction of goodwill, fueling a unit, department, or entire organization.

Thank you, nurses, for the gentle touch of your hands, the comforting words you whisper to a frightened patient, and your unwavering dedication to healing.

In gratitude for all you do.

Jennifer Mensik Kennedy PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN
President, American Nurses Association

American Nurse Journal. 2025; 20(5). Doi: 10.51256/ANJ052518