Every year, Frontier Nursing University (FNU) participates in the American Nurses Association (ANA)’s National Nurses Week, honoring the hard work and dedication of nurses across the country.
This year, as part of the Year of the Nurse and the Midwife as appointed by the World Health Organization (WHO), the ANA is expanding National Nurses Week, traditionally celebrated from May 6 to May 12 each year, to a month-long celebration in May to expand opportunities to elevate and celebrate nursing.
The ANA could not have anticipated the significance that would be placed on nurses in our country’s current COVID-19 crisis, but the National Nurses Week expansion could not be more apropos. According to a statement from the ANA, National Nurses Month will be the perfect opportunity to honor these heroes.
Now more than ever we must support and recognize nurses who work with courage and compassion and under extremely challenging circumstances. Whether it is a national health emergency or routine daily care, nurses’ vital contributions impact the health and well-being of our communities, which is why ANA selected the theme for May as Nurses Make a Difference. To honor nurses and support the nursing profession, ANA will promote weekly themes and activities. While continued physical distancing may limit our face-to-face activities, we encourage everyone to think of creative ways to virtually engage.
Each week during National Nurses Month will celebrate a different theme:
Week 1: Self Care
May 1-9, 2020
FNU is going virtual and offering resources during the COVID-19 crisis: read more about those here. Also, psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) program director Dr. Calohan has produced videos on self-care and psychological first aid – give them a look!
Week 2: Recognition
May 10-16, 2020
Many FNU alumni have displayed tremendous bravery and represented our Culture of Caring as they fight on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis. Read their stories at frontier.edu/courage.
Week 3: Professional Development
May 17-23, 2020
FNU has many opportunities for continuing education (CE) across a wide range of topics. View all your CE opportunities at frontier.edu/CE.
Week 4: Community Engagement
May 24-31, 2020
During the last week of National Nurses Month, we want to hear from you, nurse practitioners and nurse-midwives!
We are all in this fight together, yet we are all experiencing it differently. As time permits, we hope you will share your stories with us. Please message us or email us at FNUnews@frontier.edu with photos, videos and a story to share with others. We want to hear what you’re experiencing, what challenges you are facing, and what successes you are celebrating.
2020: Year of the Nurse and the Midwife
Frontier Nursing University (FNU) is proud to support and join the World Health Organization’s international campaign designating 2020 as the “Year of the Nurse and the Midwife.” In recognizing the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife, FNU joins the efforts to raise awareness of healthcare shortages in the U.S. and abroad; demonstrate the need for more nurses and nurse-midwives; educate the public of the value of nurses and nurse-midwives in their communities and advocate for access to quality healthcare for every individual.
This week, Frontier Nursing University (FNU) will join millions across the country to celebrate National Nurses Week. Beginning Monday, May 6, and culminating on the birthday of legendary nurse Florence Nightingale on Sunday, May 12, National Nurses Week marks a time for all of us impacted by nurses’ selfless work to celebrate together and express our appreciation. 
Dr. Tia Brown McNair is the Vice President in the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Student Success and Executive Director for the Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) Campus Centers at the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) in Washington, DC. She oversees both funded projects and AAC&U’s continuing programs on equity, inclusive excellence, high-impact practices, and student success. McNair directs AAC&U’s Summer Institutes on High-Impact Practices and Student Success, and TRHT Campus Centers and serves as the project director for several AAC&U initiatives, including the development of a TRHT-focused campus climate toolkit. She is the lead author of From Equity Talk to Equity Walk: Expanding Practitioner Knowledge for Racial Justice in Higher Education (January 2020) and Becoming a Student-Ready College: A New Culture of Leadership for Student Success (July 2016 and August 2022 Second edition).