[Tweet “What one word would you use to describe nursing? “]

The end of the month of May is fast-approaching which means ‘nurse’s month’ is almost over. Earlier this year when I ran my Nurse’s Week survey, I had quite a few responses along the lines of “We don’t need a Nurse’s Week to celebrate nursing. We should be celebrating the nursing profession every day.”

While I do agree, I also think it is fun to take a week out of the year to celebrate, appreciate and congratulate all of professional success. I Google’d ‘milestones in nursing history’ and came across a plethora of great information, including this overarching Wikipedia page. Here are some notable highlights:

• 1-500 AD (approximately)- Nursing care mostly included hygiene and comfort needs of persons and families
• 1854 Nightingale appointed as the Superintendent of Nursing Staff
• 1886 – The Nightingale, the first American nursing journal, is published
• 1908 The United States Navy Nurse Corps is established
• 1953 – The National Students Nurses’ Association (NSNA) is established
• 2010 – Institute for the Future of Nursing (IFN) releases evidence-based recommendations to lead change for improved health care

The list of wonderful nursing success stories goes on and on… and on.

So while we close the month of May, and another Nurse’s Week/Month comes to an end, I encourage you to find one word. What one word would you use to describe the profession of nursing?

A word that is empowering- uplifting- celebratory. A word that holds a positive and appreciative vibration. A word that builds joy and lasting grace around our nursing careers.

When I do my daily gratitude practice I give thanks for being a nurse. I literally say:

[Tweet “I am grateful for my nursing profession because it makes me feel humbled, dedicated and proud.”]

Take a moment to pick your one nursing word. What would you say? How would you describe nursing? What comes to mind as soon as you think of your nursing career?

I would love to hear from each of you reading. Share your one word below. Celebrate nursing pride today, tomorrow and every day. Thank you for reading and enjoy your health today.

About the Author: As a speaker, workshop facilitator, and Reiki Master, Elizabeth partners with hospitals, organizations, associations, and nursing groups to help transform the field of nursing from the inside out. As the host of The Art of Nursing virtual conference, Elizabeth guides nurses and nursing students to a change in perspective, helping them make the inner shift needed to better maneuver the sometimes challenging realities of being a caregiver.