Always observed on May 11th, National Twilight Zone Day features mysterious twists and turns highlighted with eerie background music and unexplainable occurrences.
Have you ever had one of Those days? You know if you can conceive of it, and sometimes not, it happens? You encounter weird stuff, requests, people, animals, or situations.
Adjusting your television doesn’t help. You really feel like you stepped into Rod Sterlings Twilight Zone? Now if these things only lasted as long as an episode…
The television show The Twilight Zone was created, written and narrated by Rod Serling. It premiered on October 1, 1959. The episodes were wildly popular, stretched the imagination, and captivated viewers. The show aired from 1959-1964.
Every March 19th, National Certified Nurses Day celebrates the certified nurses who impact lives every day.
Certified nurses dedicate their entire careers to helping others and often work long, hard hours. The day honors and recognizes them and their significant achievements. Their advanced skills require continuing education, re-certification, and continued knowledge of ever-changing technology. Certified nurses balance clinical needs and patient care. Helping patients meet their healthcare goals in complex and challenging times makes a Certified Nurse’s commitment even more valuable.
A nursing career is as varied as a doctor’s. They specialize and can earn certifications in specialties and sub-specialties. Certified nurses study and take certification exams to demonstrate their competency, skill, and knowledge in a field. Board certification is available in a variety of fields including:
Ambulatory Care Certification
Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification
Informatics Certification
Medical-Surgical Certification
Nurse Practitioner Specialty Certification
Pediatric Nursing Certification
Psychiatric Nursing Certification
Nurses can also obtain sub-specialty certifications. Certified nurses provide skilled experience in the medical fields where they work. They also improve the quality of the health care provided. Now, more than ever, health care needs more qualified nurses providing the care that we need.
National Certified Nurses Day was established on March 19th in honor of Margretta (Gretta) Madden Styles (March 19, 1930 – November 20, 2005), MSN, Ph.D. Her pioneering and distinguished career inspired nurses around the country. She was recognized worldwide for her leadership and contributions to the study and practice of nursing.
National Critical Care Awareness & Recognition Month,
Oncology Nursing Month
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalCertifiedNursesDay
Thank a certified nurse, and all they do. If you know someone who is striving to become a certified nurse, encourage them in their endeavors. Encourage certified nurses to attend job fairs to share their experiences and inspire others to become certified nurses. Consider taking a certification you’ve had your eye on. Learn more about the certification process. Speak to other certified nurses. Use #CertifiedNursesDay to post on social media.
National Family Caregivers Month in November recognizes the dedication of family members who provide round the clock care to loved ones. When medical conditions demand attention, family step into roles, they are often unprepared to accept. They become caregivers instead of partners or friends. Sometimes this change occurs in an instant.
The month sheds light into their demanding days, but it also identifies their needs. From morning to night, a caregiver balances the needs of the patient and their family. They also see to financial matters and the household necessities.
Caregivers rarely have time for themselves. There’s always another thing to be done. However, a caregiver requires rest, too.
After an aneurysm with complications has left me unable to walk, my family has stepped up. My husband Scott and my mother help me with daily tasks that allow me to live in our home. Everything from meals, cleaning, baths and personal care allow me to continue living in a safe environment without the drawbacks of facilities. I can never express enough gratitude for the care and help I get everyday.
I get so much better care from one or two people than shifts of 12 to 20 in a facility including hospitals. Today there are programs that support family Caregivers with resources, supplies and even compensation for the hour devoted to it.
HISTORY
In 1997, President Clinton proclaimed November to be National Family Caregivers Month for the first time.
During November, consider providing a respite for someone you know who provides care for a loved one. Offer to spend time with them or to learn to help out. Ask what you can do to make a difference. Visit npaonline.org for more information. Use #FamilyCaregiversMonth to post on social media.
National Emergency Nurse’s Day on the second Wednesday in October recognizes the dedication of ER nurses across the nation and it takes place during Emergency Nurses Week. We take this day to say “thank you” to the emergency room nurses for their hard work, dedication, service, and commitment. As they provide unwavering care to their patients and families, their loyalty to the emergency nursing profession does not go unnoticed.
Emergency room nurses are the first people we see when we have an accident or a medical emergency. They work hard to put us at ease and eliminate pain and discomfort. The day encourages us to let them know just how important they are in keeping hospitals running smoothly.
According to the CDC, per 100 persons, 45.8 visits were recorded. Since the ER nurse will be the first to see the patient, their training means the utmost to the patient. Most ER nurses earn a degree as a Registered Nurse. Beyond their degree program, many nurses continue their training, advancing their skills and improving their knowledge of the ever-changing medical field. Some will specialize as well.
Statistics on ER nurses a difficult to find. However, there are over 3 million RNs in the U.S. workforce today.
NATIONAL EMERGENCY NURSE’S DAY HISTORY
Sponsored by the Emergency Nurses Association since 1989, this day is part of Emergency Nurse’s Week.
On September 15th each year, National Neonatal Nurses Day recognizes those who care for the most fragile patients as they take their first breaths. The celebration takes place in the middle of National Neonatal Intensive Care Awareness Month.
Neonatal nurse specialists work with newborn infants who are delicate at birth due to a variety of reasons. They may have been born premature or born with birth defects, infection, surgical issues, or heart problems. Neonatal nurses also provide care for healthy newborn infants immediately following their birth.
The demand for neonatal nurses continues to rise. Their expertise and training meet the needs of the youngest, most fragile, and critical patients in any hospital. Many require 24-hour care and attention. While most neonatal newborns spend a month or two in the hospital, some require longer care. The neonatal nurse provides their care for the duration of the stay. Some neonatal nurses provide care beyond the neonatal period.
The day celebrates their dedication and commitment to the profession. It also is a way to encourage others interested in the field to take a closer look. With the growing demand for qualified neonatal nurses, the more students stepping up to the challenge of this satisfying career, the better.
NATIONAL NEONATAL NURSES DAY HISTORY
The National Association of Neonatal Nurses established National Neonatal Nurses Day in 2000 to showcase the work these specialists do every day. The day honors neonatal nurses across the Nation for the care and protection they give to save the precious lives of babies.
National Critical Care Awareness & Recognition Month,
Oncology Nursing Month
HOW TO OBSERVE #NeonatalNursesDay
Thank a neonatal nurse you know by sending them a card. Let them know how much you appreciate the work they do. Hospitals and other professionals will take the time to celebrate their neonatal nurses and encourage them every day. If you’re a neonatal nurse, plan to attend a job fair to share your experiences with others considering the profession. Use #NeonatalNursesDay to share on social media.
