Tennessee Nurses Association District 15

June is officially Wound Healing Awareness Month!

Wound Healing Awareness month was created by the American Board of Wound Management Foundation (ABWM). The ABWM Foundation’s goal of Wound Healing Awareness month is to expose the need for certified wound care professionals and promote proper wound care for all.

Another goal of Wound Care Awareness Month is to recognize those living with chronic wounds. There are currently over SEVEN million Americans suffering from chronic wounds, including two million struggling with diabetic foot ulcers.
Unfortunately, the cost of wound care is on the rise. Americans are spending a collective $50 billion each year on wound care. By educating the public on proper wound care, the ABWM hopes to reduce this healthcare burden.

By celebrating certified wound care professionals, the ABWM hopes that more healthcare professionals will work to become wound care certified. Nurses, doctors, medical assistants, administrators, and sales professionals can all become wound care certified through the ABWM. Certified wound care professionals distinguish themselves among their colleagues by showing a dedication to wound care. By knowing more about wound management, these professionals also facilitate better outcomes for patients suffering with difficult or hard-to-heal wounds.

A certified and experienced wound professional can make all the difference in helping fight this growing statistic. Wound care specialists are knowledgeable on multiple wound management procedures, which in turn helps patients with better wound healing outcomes.

June 11-17: National CNA Week

CNA Week, which takes place on the Thursday of the second full week of June, is a week full of celebrations honoring the hard work of assistant nurses. This year, it is held from June 11 to 17. Certified nursing assistants began working under the Red Cross program during World War I and have served alongside U.S. Army nurses. Hundreds of young women were trained to care for wounded soldiers in reserve, field, base, and civilian hospitals. Did you know that before 1987, nursing assistants were not required to have a formal education?

Nursing has existed throughout history, but it has evolved considerably in recent years. The term ‘nurse’ derives from the Latin word ‘nurtire,’ which means ‘to suckle.’ Nursing was originally referred to as ‘a wet nurse,’ but by the late 16th century, it had evolved to mean ‘a person who cares for the sick.’ The first known documents mentioning nursing as a profession were found to be written in approximately 300 A.D. The Roman Empire attempted to build a hospital in each town, increasing the demand for nurses.

Nursing became more popular in Europe during the Middle Ages because the Catholic Church pushed for medical care. The innovations of the time altered the foundation of modern nursing.
Because of changes in European rule between the 10th and 11th centuries, the nursing profession expanded. Hospitals were integrated into monasteries and other religious institutions, and nurses provided patients with a variety of medical care services.

With the closure of monasteries in the 17th century, nursing as a profession fell out of favor. This was revived in the 19th century after Florence Nightingale emphasized nursing as an ideal profession for females. After she, and a group of nurses, reduced the mortality rate during the British-Crimean war, Nightingale single-handedly changed the nursing profession.

Thank you for your compassion, care, and commitment.

About National Dougnut Day 2026
National Doughnut Day is one of the sweetest celebrations of the year, offering the perfect excuse to indulge in one of the world’s favorite treats. Observed annually on the first Friday of June, the day blends fun with history, honoring both the iconic pastry and the charitable efforts of those who handed them out to soldiers during wartime.
What is National Doughnut Day?
National Doughnut Day is a food-themed observance that celebrates the doughnut – a beloved baked or fried treat that comes in endless varieties. But beyond sugary glazes and colorful sprinkles, the day also pays tribute to the women of the Salvation Army who served doughnuts to soldiers on the front lines during World War I, earning them the nickname “Doughnut Lassies.”
Why National Doughnut Day matters
While it’s easy to focus on the tasty side of the occasion, National Doughnut Day also serves as a reminder of service, comfort, and morale during hard times. It recognizes the impact of small acts of kindness and the role that food can play in bringing people together. It’s also a fun and accessible way to enjoy a bit of nostalgia, community, and indulgence.
Doughnut Day Facts
• The Salvation Army’s “Doughnut Lassies” often made doughnuts using just a few ingredients and helmets as frying pans.
• Americans consume more than 10 billion doughnuts each year.
• National Doughnut Day predates many other food holidays and has historical roots in both war and charity.
• Major brands like Krispy Kreme and Dunkin’ often offer free doughnuts on this day.

Memorial Day 2026!
For many Americans, Memorial Day marks the unofficial beginning of summer — a long weekend filled with cookouts, travel, and gatherings with family and friends. But at its heart, Memorial Day is one of the nation’s most solemn civic observances: a day dedicated to honoring the men and women who died while serving in the United States military.

The holiday’s origins stretch back more than 150 years to the aftermath of the Civil War, when communities across the country struggled to process immense national loss. What began as local acts of remembrance eventually grew into a national tradition rooted in memory, sacrifice, and civic responsibility.

Remember all veterans today, alive or deceased, and say a "thank you" for their service as we have much to be thankful for.

NATIONAL CHOCOLATE CHIP DAY
On May 15, we recognize a morsel of a thing on National Chocolate Chip Day! This tiny piece of chocolate makes a big impact to any recipe you add it to!



Have you ever wondered how a single ingredient would change a recipe? If it weren't for one curious baker, it would be hard to imagine where we would be without the invention of chocolate chips.

In 1937, Ruth Graves Wakefield of Whitman Massachusetts must have been curious about what a little bit of chocolate would add to her cookies. While working at the Toll House Inn, she added cut-up chunks of a semi-sweet Nestle chocolate bar to a cookie recipe. The cookies were a huge success and in 1939 Wakefield signed an agreement with Nestle to add her recipe to the chocolate bar’s packaging. In exchange for the recipe, Wakefield received a lifetime supply of chocolate. The Nestle brand Toll House cookies were named for the Inn.

Nestle initially included a small chopping tool with the chocolate bars, too. Starting in 1941, Nestle and other competitors started selling the chocolate in chip or morsel form. For the first time, bakers began making chocolate chip cookies without chopping up the chocolate bar first.

Chocolate chips originally came in semi-sweet. Later, chocolate producers began offering bittersweet, semi-sweet, mint, white chocolate, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and white and dark swirled. Today, chips also come in a variety of other flavors that bakers and candy makers use creatively in their kitchens.

While cookies may be the first treat to come to mind, imagination is really the only thing limiting how chocolate chips can be used in baking and candy making. Even savory dishes feature chocolate chips in a variety of ways, too. Had Ruth Graves Wakefield never wondered what a few chopped up chunks of chocolate would be like in her baking, we wouldn't even have chocolate chip cookies. To celebrate, eat a chocolate chip cookie today!

International Nurses Day (IND) is May 12th

IND is an international day observed around the world on 12 May (the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth) each year, to mark the contributions that nurses make to society. The observance was officially established by the International Council of Nurses (ICN) to honor nurses for their commitment, compassion, and life-saving efforts. Every year, healthcare institutions, governments, and communities organize events to appreciate nurses and highlight their importance in promoting global health.

International Nurses Day is more than a celebration. It is a reminder of the critical role nurses play in patient care, emergency response, disease prevention, and community wellness.

Known as “The Lady with the Lamp,” Nightingale became a symbol of compassion and service. She established professional nursing schools and promoted evidence-based healthcare practices that continue to influence modern medicine today. International Nurses Day honors her legacy by recognizing the enduring impact nurses have on healthcare worldwide.

The International Council of Nurses (ICN) has celebrated this day since 1965. In 1953 Dorothy Sutherland, an official with the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, proposed that President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaim a "Nurses' Day"; but he did not approve it. In January 1974, 12 May was chosen to celebrate the day as it is the anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.

So today, honor the nursing legacy and the many contributions made to healthcare worldwide!

Nurses are Heroes – each day!
In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, nurses stand out as heroes, demonstrating exceptional dedication, compassion, and resilience. Their contributions extend beyond traditional caregiving, earning them the well-deserved title of heroes. Nurses are considered the unsung champions of modern times. Why are nurses’ heroes?
Because:
Nurses provide compassionate care amidst challenges
Nurses possess versatility across diverse settings
Nurses are advocates for patient rights
Nurses embrace technological advancements
Nurses provide a holistic approach to patient well-being
Nurses are leaders in healthcare teams
Nurses provide frontline response in public health emergencies
Nurses are committed to lifelong learning
Nurses advocate for diversity and inclusion
Nurses provide acts of heroism beyond the call of duty
You are a hero!!

Happy Nurses' Week!

National Nurses Week runs from 6 to 12 May each year across the United States, honoring the millions of registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and nursing professionals who form the backbone of the American healthcare system. The week begins on National Nurses Day and concludes on 12 May, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. In 2026, the American Nurses Association (ANA) celebrates with the theme “The Power of Nurses” – a fitting tribute during the organization’s 130th anniversary year.

National Nurses Week is an annual, week-long observance dedicated to recognizing the contributions, sacrifices, and expertise of nurses throughout the United States. Organized by the American Nurses Association (ANA), it serves as a focal point for hospitals, clinics, nursing schools, and communities to express gratitude toward nursing professionals. The week encompasses several related observances, including National School Nurse Day on the opening day (6 May) and International Nurses Day on 12 May, which marks the global celebration of the profession.

The United States relies on more than 4.3 million registered nurses – the single largest segment of the healthcare workforce, accounting for over 50% of all health professionals. Despite this, the profession faces mounting pressure. The national RN turnover rate sits at approximately 16.4%, and over 22% of newly hired nurses leave their positions within a year. The country is projected to be short roughly 264,000 RNs by 2026, a gap that widens further in specialist and rural settings. National Nurses Week provides a platform not only to thank nurses but to draw attention to the systemic challenges they face, from staffing shortages to burnout.

Beyond the numbers, nurses are often the primary point of contact for patients. They administer treatments, monitor conditions, advocate for patient safety, and provide emotional support during some of life’s most difficult moments. Recognizing their work is not merely a gesture – it is a reminder of the critical infrastructure that nurses provide across every corner of healthcare.

The idea of a dedicated week for nurses has roots stretching back over seven decades. The very first observance took place in 1954, marking the centennial of Florence Nightingale’s pioneering mission during the Crimean War. During that conflict, Nightingale and her team of nurses transformed the unsanitary conditions at a British field hospital in Scutari, reducing the death rate among wounded soldiers by two-thirds. Her legacy as the founder of modern nursing made her birthday – 12 May – the natural anchor for nursing celebrations worldwide.

Since then, each year has carried a specific theme chosen by the ANA. The 2026 theme, “The Power of Nurses,” holds particular significance as it coincides with the ANA’s 130th anniversary and the United States’ 250th anniversary. Meanwhile, the International Council of Nurses champions the complementary global theme “Empowered Nurses Save Lives”.

Nurses Week is a chance to shine a light on the amazing work that nurses do in healthcare each and every day. A nurse’s role goes way beyond just taking care of patients. They’re also educators, leaders, advocates, and so much more. Nurses work in hospitals, schools, home health care, long-term care, public health, and even in the military.

In 2026, nurses are dealing with some big challenges – including staffing shortages and burnout. By recognizing their hard work during Nurses Week, we’re not just saying thanks – we’re also helping to boost their job satisfaction and morale, and that’s got a real impact on patient care.

Rural Health Transformation Program!

April 19th is Go Fly a Kite Day!
Go Fly a Kite Day is a breezy celebration that gets everyone outside to enjoy the simple pleasure of kite flying.
It’s not just about watching kites dance in the sky; it’s a day full of joy, creativity, and a bit of science, too. Whether you’re young or old, the excitement of getting a kite to soar high above is unmatched.
Go Fly a Kite Day is like the cool, quirky cousin of all holidays, swooping into our lives every third Sunday in April with a whirlwind of colors and fun. Imagine it as the day when the sky gets dressed in its festive best, with kites of all shapes and sizes making merry up above.
Now, let’s take a fun dive into its story. Way back before the phrase “Go fly a kite!” meant “Leave me alone,” kites were actually the stars of a show that’s been running since, well, forever in human history.
These winged wonders were first taken to the skies in China and were made from silk and bamboo. Thanks to Marco Polo’s travel tales, fast forward a bit, and they’re popping up in Europe.
The plot thickens when kites become not just playthings but tools for science and exploration. Think Benjamin Franklin zapping himself into the discovery of electricity or the Wright brothers taking “kite-powered” baby steps toward aviation.
Oh, and did we mention kites doubling as wartime messengers or atmospheric scientists? Yup, they’ve got quite the resume.
By the time Go Fly a Kite Day breezed in, kites were well-established as both toys and tools. Celebrated during National Kite Month, this day takes the old “Go fly a kite!” jab and turns it into an invitation to joy, creativity, and community.
From DIY kite crafting to joining a kite club, it’s all about letting spirits and kites soar together.
So, whether you’re a kite newbie or a seasoned flyer, mark your calendar for the third Sunday in April. It’s a day to let go of the strings of daily life and watch a simple piece of fabric and string fill the sky with happiness.