Celebrate National Nurses Week from May 6th – 12th!

National Nurses Week takes place from May 6th – 12th. It’s a week each year to honor the commitment, dedication and hard work of those in the nursing profession. This year, honoring our nurses is more important than ever. They are risking their lives on the frontline every day, helping fight the coronavirus pandemic. The American Nurses Association and the World Health Organization have already declared 2020 to be the global “Year of the Nurse.” So this week, take a moment to celebrate nurses in New York City and around the world.

Looking for more ways to honor our healthcare workers during the crisis? Check out our list of face masks that give back to local communities.

History of National Nurses Week

We’ve celebrated National Nurses Week since 1954. The first National Nurses Week occurred in October and commemorated the hundredth anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s work in Crimea. Nightingale was a famous British nurse who fought to improve conditions for the sick and whose advocacy set the standard for modern nursing today. In 1854, she travelled to the frontline of the Crimean War where she selflessly tended to wounded soldiers.

In 1982, President Reagan declared May 6th National Recognition Day for Nurses. Then, in 1990, the American Nurses Association extended that day into a week of celebrations, culminating on Nightingale’s birthday on May 12th.

How to Celebrate National Nurses Week

In the past, this has been a week to honor nurses with banquets, seminars and celebrations. Now, those types of gatherings are impossible at a moment when nurses are most in need of acknowledgement and encouragement. Still, there are other ways to celebrate National Nurses Week. Check them out below:

Empty Your Purse to Feed a Nurse

Since late March, Ruby’s Cafe has been bringing meals to nurses and doctors working long shifts. They are serving hospitals all over the city, but are struggling to meet demand. By donating to their GoFundMe page, you help them in their quest to provide healthcare workers with high-quality hot meals.

Send Coffee and Gratitude to Long Island Nurses

Pipeline Coffee in Long Island has decided to give back to their community with the #PoweredbyPipeline movement. They donate freshly brewed coffee to local doctors and nurses. They want to show their appreciation for “superheroes in scrubs” by “keeping their cups full and their spirits up.” You can contribute by donating to their Venmo (@pipeline-Rvc or @pipeline-wantagh).

Give a Nurse a Shoutout

Take a moment to write a social media post about a nurse who inspires you. You can share it on Facebook or Twitter. Alternatively, you can send it to the Australian College of Nursing’s virtual Inspiration Wall. They are collecting stories and shoutouts about nurses that have been important in people’s lives and using them to create one big wall of positivity.

Send a Card to Local Nurses

For a small donation, New York Presbyterian will send a card on your behalf to a nurse at the hospital. You can direct your card to a specific nurse or to a team at the hospital. You can also add a personalized message to let NYC’s healthcare heroes know you’re thinking of them!

Head to Florence Nightingale’s 200th Birthday Party (on Zoom)!

Florence Nightingale would’ve turned 200 this year! So to celebrate nurses around the world you are invited to join her Zoom birthday party on May 12th. There are three separate parties to accommodate those in various time zones. Nurses will be able to meet others in their profession and share inspirational stories with each other about working during the COVID-19 crisis.

Advantage QuickStart Tennis

A proven teaching method, customized by age and ability for ages 3 and up. Special kid-sized racquets and playing area, plus slower-bouncing balls, make it fun from day one!

New York Society of Play Summer Camp and Classes

Summer Game Camp There are many who do not feel safe sending their children back out into the world with summer camp, this year. To serve those parents and keep the children connected and stimulated during this challenging time, we are offering NYSP Digital Summer Camp. The name of the game with NYSP Summer Camp is community. We have made a large effort to make our camp feel like a living space, with features including &ndash; - Role-Playing games familiar and new, led by our master storytellers! - Enriching electives such as Chess, World Building, Character Acting, Crafts, Drawing, and more! - Discussion and media screening rooms during lunch! - A digital campus! - Moderated chat hours! &nbsp; Join us for a summer of games, friends, and more! Mon - Fri 10am - 2:30pm &nbsp; Roleplay Expeditions: Dungeons &amp; Dragons No experience is required to join one of our Dungeons &amp; Dragons games. Our game masters have pre-made character sheets, so you'll be able to start playing the game right away! We adapt the rules of traditional Dungeons &amp; Dragons to make them more approachable to children of various ages. Battle in dungeons, search for relics, and make new friends in our one-of-a-kind Dungeons &amp; Dragons workshop!&nbsp; &nbsp; Public games meet once per week, with different groups every time. Private games meet 1 to 2 times per week with the same group of kids. Since the players and the storyteller in the group are consistent, this enables us to tell epic tales of adventure together! &nbsp; Dungeons &amp; Dragons Junior No experience is required to join one of our drop-in Dungeons &amp; Dragons games. Our Dungeons &amp; Dragons Jr. game provides a D&amp;D storytelling experience without character sheets. Battle in dungeons, search for relics, and make new friends in our one-of-a-kind Dungeons &amp; Dragons workshop! A great way to introduce young children to D&amp;D so they can eventually move onto the main game.

Color Me Mine

Color Me Mine Upper West Side proudly stands as a minority woman-owned studio, and we've been an integral part of the Color Me Mine franchise system since 2018! Pottery painting isn't just an activity; it's a captivating and inclusive experience that transcends age and skill levels. At Color Me Mine Upper West Side, we extend a warm invitation to dive into a realm of creativity, self-expression, and connection. Families, friends and teams grow stronger bonds when they create memories together, and at Color Me Mine, we're here to help facilitate those moments. Whether you're seeking a delightful family outing, a unique date night, or a solo adventure, our paint-your-own-pottery studio offers boundless possibilities. Step into our welcoming space in the heart of Lincoln Center and unleash your inner artist. Create unforgettable memories as you craft beautiful ceramic masterpieces to cherish for many years to come. Color Me Mine Upper West Side is also the preferred venue for celebrations of all kinds. Whether you're planning a birthday party, a baby or bridal shower, a team-building event, a gathering for college groups, an enriching field trip, or an adventure with scouts, we've got you covered. Our versatile space and passionate team provides the perfect setting for creating unforgettable memories and fostering creativity in every guest. Join us at Color Me Mine Upper West Side, at 177 Amsterdam Avenue in New York City where every visit promises a fun journey of color, joy, and artistic exploration!