The Vanderbilt School of Nursing will celebrate Nurses Month in May with a variety of events highlighting the importance of the profession. This year’s theme, Nurses Who Make a Difference, comes from the American Nurses Association and honors the varying roles of nurses and their positive impact in the lives of many.
“We feel that nurses make such a positive impact on the world around them that it is important to highlight their contributions over the course of a month rather than a singular day,” said Dean Pamela R. Jeffries, PhD, RN, FAAN, ANEF, FSSH. “This year’s national theme is a testament to the hard work and dedication of nurses everywhere.”
The School of Nursing is inviting students, faculty, staff and alumni to come together in recognizing the nurses who devote their time, talents and passion to the profession. Activities for this year’s Nurses Month include:
- May 1 – The month kicks off with signage and social media announcing Nurses Month 2024
- May 7 – Join Vivienne Pierce McDaniel, diversity ambassador and consultant at James Madison University, for a discussion on Mary Eliza Mahoney, the first Black nurse to graduate from an established nursing program in the United States. May 7 marks the 179th anniversary of her birth. It will be in Frist Hall 140 at noon.
- May 7 – Blessing of the Hands for students, faculty and staff, 11:30-1 p.m. SON 184
- May 13 – Spring Festival celebration presented by the School Life Committee, Living Room and Atrium, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
- May 23 – The month continues with a panel discussion, “Nurses Who Make a Difference,” moderated by Dean Pam Jeffries. It will be in NA161 from noon-1 p.m.
- Ongoing – Look for social media posts inviting comments and recognition of nurses who make or have made a difference in your life.