This week is National Nursing week. The timing of this recognition is significant because it overlaps with Florence Nightingale’s birthday on May 12^th.

No one can deny the importance of nurses to our medical system. What a gift it is to have a nurse come alongside you in your time of need. It is a priceless role to be able to assist and support someone in their vulnerable moments; to bring peace to those moments especially when a patient (and their loved ones) is riding out a storm. In moments of crises, chronic care, and the occasional check-up nurses do their best to get you the best care possible. No matter what hospital unit you visit, the care and attention you receive significantly influences your experience.

What a spectrum of experiences and tasks a nurse can take on each day. Whether it is; holding someone’s hand, administering medication, rocking a NICU baby, answering a plethora of questions, alleviating fears, providing reassurance during chemo, changing bandages, or walking with a families as they spend final days with a loved one in hospice.

I salute the hard working nurses out there who give of their time, skills, and hearts to ensure that their patients receive the best medical care and emotional support possible. If you’ve got a story about a nurse who went above and beyond please share it with us! If you want to say thank you to a nurse in your life take a look at our gift designs and recognize all the ways that those nurses make this world a better place!