This week coincides with the release of the ‘Future of Nursing’ Report, continuation of the Year of the Nurse.

National Nurses Week kicks off Thursday with National Nurses Day and will conclude on May 12th, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.

During this week, Duke University School of Nursing takes a moment to commend the tremendous efforts of our students, faculty, staff and alumni whether they serve in the classroom, in the lab or in a patient care setting. Our community members continuously exemplify the reasons nurses have been ranked as the most trusted profession 19 years in a row.

This year’s celebration is especially unique as it concurs with the release of “The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity” on May 11 through a partnership between the National Academy of Medicine and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The “Future of Nursing Report” has shaped the nursing field since it was first released as “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health” 10 years ago. The upcoming report is expected to extend the vision for the nursing profession into 2030 and chart a path for the profession to help our nation create a culture of health and well-being of the U.S. population in the 21st century by reducing health disparities. Susan B. Hassmiller, of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Future of Nursing: Campaign for Action, spoke about the “Future of Nursing” reports during this year’s Harriet Cook Carter Lecture on February 2.

This year’s National Nurses Week also coincides with the official continuation of the Year of the Nurse. This continuation from last year was announced by the American Nurses Association (ANA) Enterprise, the World Health Organization and global colleagues as a way to expand on the increased recognition nurses have received throughout the last year.

Stayed tuned to our website and social media for profiles of and reflections from members of the School of Nursing community throughout National Nurses Week.