National Nurses Week kicks off May 6 and ends May 12. This year’s theme, Courage to Soar, celebrates the strength and dedication nurses show every day — for their patients, their colleagues and themselves.

While the official celebration lasts just one week, the positive impact our nurses have on health care is felt and appreciated every day.

Take a look at the activities we have planned to honor our incredible nursing teams all week long!

Nature Walk with Dr. Michael Andreu, UF Associate Professor of Forest Systems

Saturday, May 3

Loblolly Woods Nature Park, 3315 NW 5th Ave, 8:30-10 a.m.

Soaring Soiree

Tuesday, May 6 

UF Health Shands Hospital Conference Room 9433, 1-3 p.m.

Thursday, May 8 & Saturday, May 10

UF Health Heart & Vascular and Neuromedicine hospitals, 1-3 p.m.

Monday, May 12

UF Health Shands Hospital Conference Room 9433, 7-9 a.m.

Nightingale Awards Ceremony 

Wednesday, May 7
Starts at 3 p.m.
The in-person event is invite-only; all others, please join us virtually.

Dog Therapy 

Tuesday, May 6 & Wednesday, May 7

UF Health Shands Atrium, 1-2 p.m.

Mini Horse Therapy

Thursday, May 8

Children’s Garden, 2-3:30 p.m.

Opus Extended Hours

*UF Health Shands Atrium location only*

Thursday, May 8 & Monday, May 12| 6:20 a.m.-8 p.m.

Sunday, May 11 | 7 a.m.-4 p.m.

Virtual Competition

Wednesday, May 7-Monday, May 12

Daily Dress Up Themes

Tuesday, May 6 – Gator Day

Wednesday, May 7 – Twin Day

Thursday, May 8 – Silly Sock Day

Friday, May 9 – Hospital Pride

Saturday, May 10 – Bright & Bold

Sunday, May 11 – Mismatch Day

Monday, May 12 – Monochromatic Monday 

Text NURSING to 855-701-0838 to subscribe to the nursing wellness listerv to receive reminders about the National Nurses Week events!