Celebrating National Nurses Week
Dear Colleagues,
Each May, National Nurses Week gives us a moment to recognize the work of nurses and nurse educators across the country. For OADN, that recognition starts with you, faculty and leaders in associate degree nursing programs, most often in community-based colleges, who play a critical role in preparing practice-ready nurses and expanding access to the profession.
This year’s themes across the profession share a consistent message. Whether framed as The Power of Nurses™ by the American Nurses Association, Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives by the International Council of Nurses, or The Power of Nurses to Transform Health by the Canadian Nurses Association, the focus is the same: preparation and support drive impact. That work starts in programs like yours. It is demonstrated every day in classrooms, clinical settings, and communities. This power is reflected in the work of associate degree nursing programs that prepare practice-ready graduates who meet the needs of a dynamic and rapidly evolving health care environment.
At OADN, we see this power through the dedication of our members. Faculty who guide and mentor the next generation. Program leaders who navigate complexity with purpose. Students who bring commitment and compassion to their calling. Together, this community represents a critical force in advancing the profession.
Recognition, however, must be accompanied by action. This year’s focus also calls for continued investment in nurses’ wellbeing and in the systems that support their success. Strengthening the nursing workforce requires attention to faculty development, academic progression, practice readiness, and sustainable, healthy work environments (HWE). These are not optional priorities. They are essential to ensuring that nurses can continue to meet the needs of the public.
As we celebrate National Nurses Week, we honor both the history and the future of nursing. We recognize the collective power of nurses and reaffirm our commitment to supporting the educators and programs that prepare them.
Thank you for the work you do each day to lead, educate, and serve.
Rick García
PhD, RN, CCM, FAAOHN, FNYAM, FAADN, FAAN
Chief Executive Officer, OADN and the OADN Foundation