By Sydney Kerelo

National Nurse Appreciation Week kicks off May 6-12th, honoring and recognizing all the incredible nurses around the United States. For the past few years, nurses have undergone extreme fatigue, stress, and so much more, and this year, we want to share our appreciation for all they do.

National Nurse Appreciation Week has been honoring our hardworking medical care specialists since 1953, according to NursingWorld.org. During this time, Dorothy Sutherland of the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare sent President Eisenhower a proposal to proclaim Nurse Day in October. He never made the proclamation, but the following year, National Nurse Week was observed from October 11-16 during the 100th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s mission to Crimea.

This happened in 1854 when Florence Nightingale brought a team of 38 volunteer nurses to care for British soldiers fighting the Crimean War. According to the National Library of Medicine, Nightingale and her nurses supplied the wounded and dying soldiers with fresh linens, clean shirts, plates, knives, etc. She believed the soldiers were dying from unclean conditions, so she took matters into her own hands by cleaning the kitchens, bringing food from England, flushing out the sewers, and improving ventilation.

It wasn't until 1974 that the International Council of Nurses (ICN) proposed that National Nurses Week begin each year on May 6th and end on May 12th, Florence Nightingale’s birthday.

Several nurses at KenCrest deserve recognition for their hard work, dedication, and passion in supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

As nurse Liaison for KenCrest’s Supported Independent Living and Lifesharing programs, Jodi Bliss brings more than just her nursing experience to the table—she brings a well of pep and joy. She will dress up in wacky costumes and visit the homes of those she supports to make them smile.

As nurse House Manager for a KenCrest Community Medical Home, Joyce Benfield decorates the home for every season, holiday, and special event so that residents feel comfortable and loved.

“To be a nurse at KenCrest, you have to be open to the idea of disabilities and know that it’s a different world than a skilled nursing facility,” says Bliss. “You must be adaptable, but it’s so worth it when a client opens up and you get to know their personality. It’s incredible to see them never give up and always be willing to be themselves.”