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“Let us never consider ourselves 'finished nurses.' We must be learning all of our lives.”
— Florence Nightingale

UVA Health celebrated 2026 National Nurses Week from Charlottesville to Northern Virginia — honoring the around the clock contributions of thousands of nurses in a wide variety of roles and sites. The concept of National Nurses Week began in the early 1950s, but wasn't formally celebrated until the mid-1970s. In 1974, the International Council of Nurses declared May 12 — the birthday of Florence Nightingale, often called the “the founder of modern nursing” — as International Nurses Day. This year's theme: Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives. 

In 1982, the American Nurses Association (ANA) declared May 6 as National Nurses Day. Then in 1990, ANA designated May 6-12 as National Nurses Week. This year's theme: The Power of Nurses. 

University Medical Center 

“We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our superstar nursing governance team for organizing another meaningful and inspiring celebration of nursing across University Medical Center. And what a week it was! We appreciate seeing so many of you participate in this year’s signature events!” declare Kathy Baker, PhD, RN, NE-BC, FAAN, Chief Nursing Officer, and interim CEO, UVA Health University Medical Center; and Associate Chief Nursing Officers Veronica Brill, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, Rachel Nauman, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, and Karin Skeen, PhD, RN, NEA-BC. 

“The Power of Nurses is reflected every day in the exceptional care you provide to our patients, families, and colleagues. Whether you sent a Nightingale Notable, participated in the Virtual Scavenger Hunt, received a Blessing of the Hands, or were honored in the Legacy RN Hall of Fame, we hope you feel recognized for the extraordinary impact you make. We are deeply grateful for each of you!” 

In Charlottesville, University Medical Center Nursing Professional Governance Organization (NPGO) planned non-stop recognition, camaraderie, and fun during 2026 National Nurses Week: 

• Late Night at Higher Grounds stayed open until 2 a.m. from May 6 to 12. 
• At The Wool Factory in Charlottesville: the 2026 Evidence-Based Practice Symposium was held on May 6, and the 2026 Nursing Excellence Awards took center stage on May 12 (see the photos and list of award recipients). 
• Food Truck Friday featured fare from four eateries on May 8. 
• New this year: nearly 100 RNs smiled for free Professional Headshots by a photographer on May 7, 8, and 9 at three locations. 
• New, local, television commercials featured Lofton Neal, RN, Care Coordinator, Endocrine Clinic, and Robin Chandler, RN, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), shared why they chose nursing as a second career.
• Exciting giveaways included prizes such as tickets to Kings Dominion amusement park and technology; gift cards to local businesses; specialty-themed baskets; and more! 
• Virtual Scavenger Hunt also featured prize opportunities! 
• Nurses spread the joy by sending online, or printing and delivering, Nightingale Notables-Superlative Awards to their favorite nurses.
• Rounding day (39 hours) and night (20 hours) shifts took place May 6 to 11 on Main Grounds; 45 hours of rounding across 566 miles driving off-grounds from May 17 to June 2. All rounding added up to 104 total hours! 

And Pet Therapy Rounding logged more than 15 hours from May 6 to 12. Nurses took a break to visit with a four-legged friend. Photos below: 

The Legacy RN Hall of Fame honored 81 University Medical Center RNs with 35+ years of continuous service at UVA Health. If you missed the display at the main hospital, catch it online and see the photos below: 

Nurses Walk for Wellness on May 7, 8, and 12 wound its way through several locations including Fontaine Research Park:

Rounding Carts delivered games, prizes, and snacks:

National Nurses Week signs, banners, balloons, and more enlightened hospital hallways and hung over bridges and more to let team members, patients, and visitors know about the annual observation!

During Blessing of the Hands, chaplains provided an interfaith blessing at the main hospital and 31 other health system locations:

In the University Medical Center Dining Conference Rooms: the May 9 Drop-In Celebration featured chicken n’ waffles, fruit and yogurt parfaits, and breakfast quesadillas catered by Red Hub:

Also in the University Medical Center Dining Conference Rooms, on May 11, a new Pop-Up Activity, as nurses tried their hand at watercolor painting hosted by The Fralin Museum of Art at UVA. Each participant took home the small vase of flowers they used as the still-life inspiration for their artwork:

RNs created beautiful Pearls of Wisdom and Wellbeing to the Nursing in Bloom tree wall display:

UVA COMMUNITY HEALTH

Throughout the week, UVA Health Culpeper, Haymarket, and Prince William Medical Centers also hosted events and activities such as Monday Mocktails, Pet Therapy, birthday celebration for Florence Nightingale, and Nursing Tea at Culpeper Medical Center with Marianne Baernholdt, PhD, MPH, RN, FAAN, Dean, UVA School of Nursing and UVA Health Professional Nursing. The dean brought the school's historic tea set, and talked to UVA Community Health nursing leaders about bringing together academic research and community medicine, and leadership's investment in our nurses and their growth:

"This month, we had the opportunity to celebrate Nurses Week and UVA Health Week, recognizing the extraordinary teams who give so much of themselves each day in service to our patients, families, and one another," says Michelle Strider, MSN, RN, CPHQ, Chief Nursing Officer, UVA Community Health. "I am deeply grateful to everyone who helped make Nurses Week such a meaningful and memorable celebration! Thank you to everyone who helped make the week so special and for the compassion, professionalism, and dedication you bring to UVA Community Health every day."

She thanked the UVA Community Health Center of Nursing Excellence (CoNE) team, including April Morrison, Devon Richardson, Brea Hamilton, Katie McNamara, and Lisa Sekol for the tremendous effort they invested in planning and hosting events throughout the week. She also recognized the leadership of UVA Community Health Nursing Professional Governance Organization (NPGO) councils, especially Myk Bagaporo, Susan Brubaker, and theCommunity Engagement Council, for coordinating and supporting activities across our facilities.

"From Monday’s mocktails to Friday’s birthday celebration for Florence Nightingale, the week created many moments for us to come together in celebration of the nursing profession. One of the highlights:

The fun featured food, photos, pet therapy, and more: