City Administrator Bill Oeding of Valparaiso will join Porter Health System nurses at the Valparaiso Hospital Campus for a candlelight ceremony at 7:30 pm May 5. The ceremony will kick off a week long recognition of nurses during National Nurses Week, celebrated May 6 – 12, the day of Florence Nightingale’s birthday. Nightingale is known as the founder of modern day nursing.
Annually, National Nurses Week focuses on highlighting the diverse ways in which registered nurses are working to improve health care. From bedside nursing in hospitals and long-term care facilities to the halls of research institutions, state legislatures, and Congress, the depth and breadth of the nursing profession is meeting the expanding health care needs of American society.
Another traditional ceremony will be held at 7:30 am on May 6, with the “Blessing of the Hands” for anyone who wishes to participate. The blessing acknowledges the powerful impact that the touch of a hand can have in the healing process, whether starting an IV, changing a bed, or hugging a grieving family. Activities honoring nurses’ commitment to health care will continue throughout the week at all of Porter’s campuses and off-site locations and will include an announcement of the “Patient Choice Award” to one Porter Health System nurse chosen from patient nominated nurses.
“These ceremonies are very symbolic remembrances of the important contributions of all nurses to the continuum of patient care and to the very special people that comprise the nursing profession,” said Taffy Arias, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Porter Health System. Porter employs approximately 650 nurses system-wide.
For more information contact Kelly Credit, Director System Strategy and Marketing, at 219.263.7096.