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MDHHS recognizes National Nurses Week 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 7, 2018

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is joining partners nationwide to celebrate National Nurses Week to highlight the role nurses play in promoting health and wellness.

 

This year’s theme, Nurses Inspire, Innovate, Influence recognizes the important roles nurses play in protecting, promoting and improving healthcare for all in all healthcare environments and Michigan communities.

 

National Nurses Week begins each year on May 6, and ends on May 12 to coincide with Florence Nightingale's birthday. Nightingale is considered the founder of modern nursing. The purpose of the week-long celebration is to raise awareness around the importance of nursing and the role nurses have in supporting the health and wellness needs of Americans.

 

“Michigan’s registered nurses play a vital role in helping maintain the health of Michiganders through their hard work and dedication,” said Eden Wells, MDHHS chief medical executive. “It’s important we thank nurses everywhere for the care they provide to improve the quality of life for their patients, families and Michigan communities.”

 

Today, there are more than 170,000 licensed nurses in Michigan. Nurses practice in a diverse array of healthcare, community and educational settings and are differentiated from other providers by their approach to patient care and training. Nurses perform independently and inter-professionally within their scope of practice, dependent upon their training and advanced or specialized credentials.

 

There are currently 72 schools in Michigan offering nursing programs. A list of Michigan Board of Nursing approved programs can be found on the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs website.

 

As part of National Nurses Week, the American Nurses Association is offering a webinar on Emerging Technology and Its Impact on Nursing Practice on May 9 at 1 p.m. Online registration for the webinar closes May 8 at 7 p.m.

 

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