Around the country this week, hospitals will be rolling out the red carpet to celebrate their modern-day Florence Nightingales as part of National Nurses Week. This year marks the 64th year for the annual celebration, first held in 1954 on the 100th anniversary of Nightingale’s famous mission to Crimea.
A lot has changed in medicine and nursing best practices since Florence Nightingale’s day. But what’s not changed are the special individuals who hear the calling to provide skilled and compassionate nursing care to others. In fact, America’s 3 million nurses comprise the largest segment of the U.S. healthcare workforce.
It takes a special person to become a nurse. Perhaps nowhere is that more true than in the men and women who serve our most vulnerable perinatal populations.
These dedicated professionals care for mothers and children and provide support for families facing premature birth, maternal health issues, or infants needing specialized care.
According to the Institute for Pediatric Nursing, an estimated 180,521 RNs provide patient care in a hospital setting to a pediatric population, including newborn, neonatal, pediatric, and adolescent, and the National Association of Neonatal Nurses counts more than 7,000 neonatal nurses as members. The Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric & Neonatal Nurses represents 350,000 nurses in the U.S. who promote the health of women and newborns.
This week, we say a special thank you to all the perinatal nurses who inspire, innovate and influence better health outcomes and greater patient engagement in their work every day. It is our honor to work with you to support you in your mission to provide the very best possible care to Texas babies and mothers. This week and every week, the Texas Perinatal Services team salutes you.
