Here at Monroe High, we have our own nursing program for students that want to continue to be in the medical field after they graduate. The Certified Nursing Assistant program (CAN), which began this year at MHS, offers many way of practice for students. They volunteer at our local nursing homes every morning during the first two periods of school.
At the nursing homes, usually students help the elderly by helping them walk if they are having trouble, feed them, and give them dignity and respect. They are currently practicing with mannequins so by the end of the trimester, they are able to give them baths, showers and make them feel as comfortable as possible.
“I love taking care of people, and it’s something I would like to do in my future,” said senior Bailey Roberts. “I love doing it so much and I’m always motivated in the morning to care for the people who can’t fully take care of themselves.”
Senior Kelly Stansberry, another student involved in our CNA program, agrees that this is an outstanding program for students that want to be a nurse when they are older.
“I want to be a nurse. This is the start of my career path. I’m finally going to be certified.”
National Nurses Day, also known as National RN Recognition Day, has been celebrated on May 6since 1953. In 1990, the American Nurses Association (ANA) expanded this into a weeklong event making Nurses Day, May 6, the opening day for National Nurses Week. On May 12, the last day of National Nurses Week, International Nurses Day is celebrated.
The International Council of Nurses (ICN) commemorates International Nurses Day distribute International Nurses’ Day Kit, which includes educational and public information materials for use of nurses everywhere around the world. This has been celebrated since 1965.
Most activities during Nurses Week include banquets and recognition dinners, state and city proclamations, continuing education seminars, and other community events. Nurses are typically honored with gifts, dinners, and flowers by friends or family members, coworkers, such as doctors and administrators around their building, and patients who want to show their appreciation for their nurse.
National Nurses Week is one of the nation’s largest health care events, recognizing the commitments nurses make and letting the public know the significant work they perform. The ANA, other nursing associations, educational facilities, and independent health care companies and institutions support this national holiday.