Henry County Medical Center Marks National Nurses Week, Celebrates Year of the Nurse

PARIS, TN – Henry County Medical Center is joining the American Nurses Association (ANA) in celebrating National Nurses Week, happening in 2020 from May 6-12.

Each May, National Nurses Week honors the men and women around the country who have dedicated their lives to caring for those who are at their most vulnerable and in need. The contributions they make to the health and well-being of patients is an essential part of the mission of Henry County Medical Center.

“We are so thankful and grateful for all our nursing staff, who are here for patients every day, all day,” said Lisa Casteel, CEO.  “It is in healthcare, that I do find much humility and gratitude.  How each face the smallest of needs to the greatest of needs each day, a true act of servitude.  From hands-on care to just the warm smiles of reassurance, patients find the will to overcome their illnesses, and families are placed at ease.”

The roots of National Nurses Week can be traced back to 1953, when U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare employee Dorothy Sutherland suggested a national day of recognition for nurses. After a series of proclamations and resolutions through the decades, the American Nurses Association affirmed a joint resolution of the U.S. Congress by establishing May 6 as National Nurses Day in 1982. The ANA expanded the celebration to a week in 1991 and, in 1993, designated May 6-12 as the permanent annual dates to mark National Nurses Week.

Now, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared 2020 as the Year of the Nurse.

“By their very nature, nurses are special people who are committed to selflessly serving and caring for others no matter the circumstance,” said Neely Ashby, Chief Nursing Officer. “During our fight against COVID-19, our nurses have truly stepped up and are making countless sacrifices daily to ensure the safety of patients and each other, and to help protect our community.”

Please help us recognize these extraordinary #HealthcareHeroes and all they are doing for our community by using our hashtag #HCMCLove. We want to thank all our nurses and healthcare professionals who are taking care of all of us and our families with special messages from you.

Positive and encouraging stories of compassion, understanding, and overcoming obstacles can be submitted in a variety of formats. These include personal narratives, video and images.  Or, you can just send your words of encouragement and thank yous for all our healthcare providers are doing.

To submit your story, visit our Henry County Medical Center Facebook page and send us a private message. Upon submission of your message, you agree to our disclaimer about submission.  Make sure your private message starts with #HCMCLove.  Continue to follow us on Facebook and check back often to see new stories.

Also, you can help by spreading the word on social media by following our posts, sharing our posts, directing people to our website, and making sure you are helping get the word out about our needs.  Be sure to follow Henry County Medical Center on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter for more on Nurses Week, Year of the Nurse, and more.

To learn more, go to our website at hcmc.vewebsites.com.

Located in Paris, TN, Henry County Medical Center is a progressive, integrated healthcare organization committed to serving the healthcare needs of Henry County and the adjoining region.  Including a 142-bed hospital and other facilities, the medical center provides a variety of outpatient services, as well as inpatient care. Additionally, HCMC owns and operates 7 provider clinics in various specialties.  Henry County Medical Center is a county-owned and operated nonprofit institution. For more information: hcmc.vewebsites.com.