Have You Thanked a Nurse Today?

The day my youngest sister, Tena, graduated from nursing school at the College of Lake County, I couldn't imagine being more proud of her.

She worked so hard, sticking with the program no matter how tough it was at times. And then, there she was on the stage with her fellow nursing students, citing the Florence Nightingale Pledge, promising to "devote myself to the welfare of those committed to my care."

And that is exactly what she has done since graduation. While she can't share specifics about her work with patients, I know she has saved lives. And I know that her patients love her. I am so proud of the great nurse she has become.

We've all encountered nurses, whether at a physician's office or the hospital. Sometimes, a nurse (or nurse practitioner) may be our primary contact when seeking medical care. According to the American Nurses Association, there are 3.1 million licensed registered nurses (RNs) in the United States, and 62.2 percent of employed RNs work in hospitals.

The average age of employed RNs is 45.5 years old.

National Nurses Week gives us all the opportunity to appreciate everything that nurses do—and to say thanks. So if you get the chance, say "thank you" to a nurse this week.

Thank you, Tena.