Atrium Health Shines Spotlight on Thousands of Dedicated Nurses During National Nurses Week

Nurses will be recognized for their unwavering commitment to patients, families and one another

CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 6, 2024 – Atrium Health is proud to recognize and celebrate all nurses during National Nurses Week, especially the nearly 12,000 dedicated nurses across the Greater Charlotte area. Nurses Week is recognized every year May 6-12 to honor those who see nursing as more than just a profession and rather selflessly answer the call to compassionately care for others.

The American Nurses Association officially began recognizing this week in 1990, concluding the week on the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the woman affectionately known as the founder of modern nursing and who helped revolutionize the field. Every year, Atrium Health proudly pauses to honor the nurses who give so much to care for their patients day in and day out. Their service is invaluable to the health care field as well as our communities.

“Nurses don’t just treat patients; they care for the whole person, their families and their loved ones,” said Janice Walker, senior vice president and chief nursing officer for the southeast region of Advocate Health, which encompasses the entire footprint of Atrium Health. “Nurses are advocates and educators for the people who are in their care, sometimes guiding them through their most difficult days. We celebrate them this week as part of National Nurses Week, but also each and every day. I am so appreciative of their dedication to nursing excellence, leading the way in clinical innovation and providing compassion beyond all measure for the people who trust us with their care.”

Several events will be held throughout the week to honor nurses. Some of the events include but are not limited to:

• Celebrations at individual hospital and practice locations, including meal deliveries and well-being offerings.
• Puppy power hour; Teammates can connect with a volunteer dog for a moment of respite and possibly some dog kisses.
• Mascot visits including, but not limited to: Charlotte FC’s Minty and Charlotte Knights’s Homer the Dragon;
• Virtual moment of remembrance with the Atrium Health Nurses Honor Guard to pay tribute to nurses who have passed away.
• Professional development opportunities.

Advocate Health has 12 hospitals designated ‘Magnet’ by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, which is the highest national honor for nursing professional excellence. In the Charlotte area, that includes Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center, including its outpatient clinics, Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital, Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute and Atrium Health Mercy.

In 2023, Atrium Health had 20 nurses recognized among North Carolina’s Great 100, a prestigious peer-recognition program honoring nurses for their commitment to their patients, communities and the nursing profession.