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UVA Health University Medical Center celebrated #ThePowerofNurses from May 6 to 12 — the theme and dates of the 2025 National Nurses Week set by the American Nurses Association (ANA). Watch and share the UVA Health 2025 Nurses Week video, and view the photo gallery below. 

“Your compassion, skill, and dedication are at the heart of everything you do,” declares Mitchell Rosner, MD, MACP, FRCP, acting Executive Vice President for Health Affairs, in this video. “Your impact is felt across every corner of UVA Health. Thank you for bringing your expertise, your kindness, and your unwavering commitment to this important work.”

And in a message from Dr. Rosner and other leaders: “To all UVA Health nurses: thank you for your unwavering commitment to putting patients first and for all you do to inspire hope and transform health across Virginia and beyond.”

Activity and Event Highlights

UVA Health illuminated the South Tower in red as a part of the ANA #NursesLightUpTheSky campaign to highlight the nursing profession across the country. 

During Pet Therapy Rounding, canines and their humans volunteered more than 16 hours to bring support and smiles to nursing teams throughout the week, with 10 to 70+ pounds of tail-wagging delight! 

Legacy RN Hall of Fame returned for the fourth year to recognize the dedication and experience of registered nurses with 35+ years of continuous service each to UVA Health University Medical Center patients and their families, and team members. The newest display in the Main Hospital Cafeteria featured more than 80 RNs. If you missed it, you can view it online!

Late Nights at Higher Grounds extended hours to 2 a.m. from the evening of May 6 through May 12 in the Main Hospital Cafeteria. 

The 2025 Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Symposium was held May 6 at North Fork Research Park featuring keynote speaker Laura Cullen, DNP, RN, FAAN, who leads EBP at University of Iowa Health Care and is internationally-known for her expertise. The annual, day-long, educational initiative provided nurses with an immersive, expertise-driven opportunity to advance their knowledge and understanding of the EBP process, collaborate with colleagues, and sharpen EBP skills.The popular poster session returned with a new slate of projects shared by UVA Health team members at conferences across the country.

Drop-in Celebrations with light refreshments, photo booth, and more fun were held May 7, 6-9 p.m., and May 10, 6-9 a.m., in the Dining Conference Rooms. 

The 25th annual Nursing Excellence Awards Ceremony was held on May 8 at the Doubletree by Hilton in Charlottesville. Nursing and other team members were honored for their around-the-clock, extraordinary, skilled, and compassionate care and leadership.

Awards include Beginning Practitioner of the Year, Excellence in Advanced Practice Nursing, Nurse of Distinction, Transformational Leader, UVA School of Nursing Outstanding Student Preceptor Award, and many more. See the 2025 nominees. “It’s one of my greatest honors each year to stand before you and celebrate the heart of UVA Health: our nurses. I truly feel privileged to lead the best nursing organization out there! Each of you brings extraordinary skill, innovative thinking, and deep compassion to our patients and families,” says UVA Health University Medical Center Chief Nursing Officer Kathy Baker, PhD, RN, NE-BC, FAAN. Read more on Connect.

On May 9, Food Truck Friday — featuring Carpe Donut, Farmacy, CheeseSteak Shack, and Little Manila — took over the MR5 Lawn, to provide team members with the opportunity to support local businesses and enjoy a delicious lunch.

Continuing the Celebrations

NPGO President Danita Massie, MSN, RN, CNL, and President-Elect Clara Winfield, RN, are excited to celebrate with our Ambulatory teams as part of the ongoing Nurses Month celebrations. They will be visiting off-grounds clinics across central Virginia throughout May and into early June!

Drop-In Celebration

Food Truck Friday

2025 Legacy Hall of Fame