As one of the most-trusted professions in ratings of honesty and ethical standards (Gallup, 2020), it is no surprise that nursing continues to be a time-honored profession  that constantly evolves to address the needs of society.

National Nurses Week begins each year on May 6^th, and ends on May 12^th, Florence Nightingale’s birthday. You may have heard of her persona, as “The Lady of the Lamp” when she managed and trained countless nurses during the Crimean War (153 – 1856). Or, you may also know her as the founder of modern nursing. This year would be Florence’s 201^st birthday, and undoubtedly, nursing has transformed significantly since Florence’s time. Yet, we will continue to celebrate and recognize all of the incredible nurses (registered nurses, nurse practitioners, LPNs, and others) across the country that have devoted their lives to the betterment of the lives of other, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Did You Know?

• There are over 4 million registered nurses in the United States today.
• That means that one in every 100 people is a registered nurse.
• Only 3 of 5 nurses actually work in hospitals. Beyond that, possible locations that a nurse can work in, include hospice care, schools, being a legal nurse consultant, and more!

At NPR, we are proud to support the Global Rural Nursing Exchange Network! Last week, we wrote about how the GRNEN is involved in the intricacies and perspectives that connect rural nurses in a way that has never been done before. GRNEN was created to connect nurse practitioners, educators, researchers and students who share a passion for improving the health of rural communities and an appreciation for the role nurses play in serving these communities. For more information, email info@grnen.org or contact us at +1 605-219-5298 to become part of the network.