MAY IS NATIONAL NURSES APPRECIATION MONTH

The American Nurses Association is proud to lead the annual National Nurses Month. We are all indebted to nurses for their unwavering commitment to patients, their communities, and our healthcare system.

The Nurses Month theme, “You Make A Difference,” was selected to encourage nurses, other healthcare professionals, employers, community leaders, and the public to recognize and promote the vast contributions and positive impact of America’s nurses MAY 1–7.

Nursing is a rewarding and challenging profession so it’s critical you have access to authentic support systems and tools. Prioritize your self-care by engaging in healthy activities that target both your body and mind. Consider joining Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation™, a program designed to help you improve your health in six areas: physical activity, nutrition, rest, quality of life, safety, and mental health.

Take the HealthyNurse Survey assessment to see where you are, access inspiring blogs, and join monthly 10-day challenges focused on supporting micro-behavior change towards your goals.

Do a self-care assessment. What activities are you doing to benefit your health and reduce your stress?

Plan a course of action by using the free apps and resources offered through the American Nurses Foundation’s Well-Being Initiative.

Take time for you and listen to ANA’s 9-part Gratitude podcast mini-series to learn how to cultivate a gratitude practice into your daily life. “We must see and celebrate our nurses as whole humans, not as a fictitious image of an all-powerful, all-resilient hero.”

Trusted Health offers resources for emotional and mental health support for nurses, emphasizing the need for the topic of mental health to be present in the health care conversation.

The OCHD would like to recognize our very own dedicated nursing staff – and the programs they serve – along with nurses throughout Ocean County.