For Immediate Release
May 7, 2007

BUFFALO, NY -- The work of America's 2.9 million registered nurses to save lives and to maintain the health of millions of individuals is the focus of this year's National Nurses Week, celebrated annually May 6-12 throughout the United States. This year, the American Nurses Association has selected "Nursing: A Profession and a Passion" as the theme for 2007.

The ANA supports and encourages National Nurses Week recognition programs through the state and district nurses associations, other specialty nursing organizations, educational facilities, and independent health care companies and institutions.

Annually, National Nurses Week begins on May 6, marked as RN Recognition Day, and ends on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, founder of nursing as a modern profession. Nurse Recognition Week is a time to recognize Roswell Park nurses for their outstanding dedication and service to our patients.

"Oncology nurses care for their patients with passion on a daily basis," said Maureen Kelly, RN, MS, Chief Nursing Officer, RPCI, "Now during National Nurses Week, please take the opportunity to thank nurses everywhere for the wonderful care they provide.”

Roswell Park will honor its nurses through a series of events:

• 5/7/07 - Award Recipient Luncheon with awards for the "Golden Hands", "Community Service", "Achievement (in Education)", "Achievement Award for Advancement Nursing as a Profession", & "Friends of Nurses"
• 5/9/07 - Professional Organizational and Development Day including the Blessing of Hands 
• 5/11/07 -Reception for Nursing Staff who received degrees and certifications in the past 12 months & students

The American Nurses Association, through its 54 constituent member associations advances the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting economic and general welfare, promoting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and lobbying Congress and the regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public. Traditionally, National Nurses Week is devoted to highlighting the diverse ways in which registered nurses, the largest health care profession, are working to improve health care. From bedside nursing in hospitals and long-term care facilities to the halls of research institutions, state legislatures, and Congress, the depth and breadth of the nursing profession is meeting the expanding health care needs of American society.

Roswell Park Cancer Institute, founded in 1898, is the nation’s first cancer research, treatment and education center and is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Upstate New York. RPCI is a member of the prestigious National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the nation’s leading cancer centers. Roswell Park has affiliate sites and collaborative programs in New York, Pennsylvania, and in China, For more information, visit RPCI’s website at www.roswellpark.org, call 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724) or e-mail askrpci@roswellpark.org.

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