As a clinical nurse, May is one of my favorite times of the year, as we celebrate National Nurses Week! And National Nurses Week isn’t the only reason why May is a favorite time for me. The American Nurses Association has expanded National Nurses Week to National Nurses Month! Each May, the national and international communities take a moment to say “thank you” to nurses.

National Nurses Month is ideal for celebrating everything about nursing, promoting good practice, and reflecting on achievements. It’s also a time to appreciate our departments’ nursing families and clinical teams. If you are looking for ways to celebrate, check out these ideas for National Nurses Month and Week, May 6-12.