'Medical-Surgical Nurses Week' To Honor Nurses' Life-Saving Work

Main Category: Nursing / Midwifery
Article Date: 20 Aug 2008 - 14:00 PDT

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The Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN) has designated November 1-7, 2008, as "Medical-Surgical Nurses Week" to encourage hospitals, facilities and other employers to honor the nurses who provide compassionate care to adult patients and their families.

This nationwide celebration will recognize and reward medical-surgical nurses, one of the largest groups of practicing nursing professionals in the health care industry. Medical-surgical nurses possess specialized skills and knowledge of the entire spectrum of nursing care. They promote excellence in adult health, provide quality care for patients with diverse conditions and educate patients, families, peers and other health care professionals.

This will be the second year for the weeklong celebration. Previously, AMSN celebrated "Medical-Surgical Nurses Day" each year on November 1; however, a one-day celebration seemed to benefit only nurses working on that day. AMSN introduced Medical-Surgical Nurses Week in 2007 so that all medical-surgical nurses could celebrate the specialty.

"Medical-surgical nurses practice in a variety of settings and care for a broad range of patients," said AMSN President Kathleen Reeves, MSN, RN, CNS, CMSRN. "This is a perfect time to thank medical-surgical nurses for all that they do."

To participate in this annual celebration, employers and facilities are encouraged to honor their medical-surgical nurses. As in previous years, activities will include special events, luncheons, education programs, special presentations and proclamations from local governments.

In addition to appreciating nurses during Medical-Surgical Nurses Week, Reeves said AMSN promotes the event to spark interest in other nurses about the diverse career opportunities available in the medical-surgical field.

The Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN) is the only specialty nursing organization dedicated to medical-surgical nursing practice. Its mission is to promote excellence in adult health.

Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses