Honoring Heroes: National Nurses Week 2025

Nurses offer healthcare expertise and hope for patients with their caring presence. Their contributions to medical care deserve to be recognized. National Nurses Week is thus a meaningful event across the country.

From May 6 to 12 of each year, we remember National Nurses Week. May 12 is the end of the weeklong celebration as it honors Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, whose birthday falls on that day.

The annual theme is chosen by the American Nurses Association (ANA). This year, it is The Power of Nurses.” Indeed, the service they provide helps empower patients’ journeys towards healing and recovery. 

Their Vital Role in Healthcare

Nurses provide a range of healthcare services while caring for patients:

Patient Advocate

They advocate for their patients by honoring their rights and preferences within the healthcare system. They respect patients’ religious beliefs and ethics, culture, gender, etc., making sure that their treatment plans are not only medically effective but also aligned with their values and wishes. 

They communicate and collaborate with other healthcare teams to achieve this. Working alongside fellow medical professionals, nurses ensure that patients are properly informed of their treatment options. They also listen to patients and consider their concerns.

Holistic Care Provider

Nurses go beyond physical care. Their work entails providing emotional, psychological, and social support. Through communication,  trust-building, and suitable interventions, they provide holistic care to their patients. Their expertise allows them to partner with physicians in developing individualized patient plans that promote health and well-being.

Healthcare Coordinator and Educator

Many patients need integrated care that leverages several specialties. They coordinate with different healthcare departments, which is one of their most important roles. They work with doctors, medical technologists, and other professionals so patients enjoy the best results.

Nurses also educate patients and their families about the patient’s health, medication, treatment options, healthy practices, follow-up checkups, and more. 

How We Can Support and Show Appreciation for Nurses 

Nursing is a hard job. Shifts are often 12 hours long. These professionals deal with other issues as well, such as not being valued or paid enough. A survey by the National Center for Biotechnology Information revealed that over 91% of nurses experienced severe burnout after the global pandemic.

With their multi–faceted roles in healthcare, nurses deserve our appreciation and gratitude. Let’s show nurses we care about their well-being too. Here are some ways we can do so:

Sponsor a Unit Luncheon 

For nurses, patient needs come first. This means sacrificing meal times when emergency cases arise. We can show appreciation by paying for lunch or dinner. A good meal will nourish their tired bodies and lift their spirits.

Give Tokens of Appreciation

We can also give thoughtful and practical thank-you gifts. Spa gift certificates, healthy snack subscriptions, cozy blankets, insulated lunch bags, work backpacks, etc. are always welcome.

Send a Thank You Card

Notes that show appreciation are a great way to thank nursing teams. A thank-you card with a handwritten message will always be valued. It is especially meaningful when it comes from a previous patient.

Gestures like these remind nurses that they’re important. They provide assurance that their efforts are recognized. They could encourage them to keep going, feel fulfilled, and face challenges.

Drop Off a Gift Basket

You can also give a gift basket filled with snacks; tools they can use like stethoscopes, notepads, organizers, etc.; travel and self-care essentials like soothing balms, sanitizers, reusable hot or cold packs, compression socks; and more.

Air-purifying plants or succulents that are small enough for desks and countertops also make fantastic gifts. Meanwhile, experience-based presents—such as event tickets, course subscriptions, and gym memberships—encourage self-care and new experiences outside of work.

Make a Donation in Their Name

Another way to celebrate nurses is to donate to their favorite charity in their name. Ask about causes they care about. Or have them choose from a list of nonprofits. 

Consider giving to organizations that support nurses. You could donate to the Florence Nightingale Foundation, American Nurses Foundation, or Burdett Trust for Nursing.

Put In a Good Word With the Administrators

Of course, letting their superiors know they’re doing a great job is always helpful. Aside from acknowledging their work, commending them to higher-ups could impact their performance assessments and career advancement. Putting in a good word could be as simple as emailing the hospital administrator. 

Tell them how a nurse took extra good care of you on your journey to wellness. Mention how you plan to recommend their facility to others because of the great experience you had there. 

IMANA Celebrates Volunteer Nurses

IMANA is just one of the many healthcare and emergency aid organizations that benefit from the expertise and caring kindness of nurses. Without them, it would be more difficult to deliver emergency medical relief to survivors of calamities and violence, offer development and educational programs, and provide continuity of care to underserved communities. 

Let’s celebrate nurses around the world together. Nurses, particularly volunteers, generously share their knowledge, skills, and time. They bring healing and hope to Muslim and non-Muslim communities.

Observe National Nurses Week with IMANA by telling others about the work they’re doing. If a specific nurse comes to mind, show them they’re valued by praising their efforts. You can also enact any of the kind gestures we mentioned.

By remembering and reminding them of their value, we can honor their noble profession and encourage excellence in the field.