El Paso, Texas, May 3, 2024 – El Paso Community College is celebrating National Nurses Week May 6 – May 12, and throughout May. For 2024, The American Nurses Association has selected the theme “Nurses Make the Difference” to honor the varying roles of nurses and their positive impact on our lives. Nurses make a difference as trusted advocates who ensure individuals, families, and communities receive quality patient care and services.
Today, the EPCC Nursing Division celebrated the upcoming Nurses Week with an appreciation luncheon at the Rio Grande Campus, honoring faculty for their outstanding work.
“Join us in recognizing the invaluable contributions of nurses worldwide. Whether you’re a health care professional, a patient, or simply someone who appreciates nurses’ dedication,” said Dr. Hafid Guerrero, Dean of Nursing at EPCC.
Established in 1972, EPCC’s nursing program is the oldest nursing program/school in our community. EPCC graduates approximately 175 nurses per year from off of our programs, with 65 full-time and part-time faculty, and will be graduating our 50th class in 2025. “Our graduates work in many roles in our community and beyond, from direct patient care to administration, research, and higher education,” added Guerrero.
National Nurses Week is celebrated yearly, between May 6, which is National Nurses Day, and May 12, which is the birth date of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. This week is celebrated in healthcare facilities, nursing schools, and anywhere where nurses work.
The American Nurses Association has set the celebration’s theme for the year as “Nurses Make the Difference,” to “Honor the incredible nurses who embody the spirit of compassion and care in every health care setting.”
National nurse week was first observed in 1954, marking the 100-year anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s mission to Crimea. In February 1974, President Richard Nixon issued a proclamation marking a week in May as National Nurse Week, May 12th being Florence Nightingale’s birthday.
