Atrium Health Navicent is proud to recognize and celebrate nurses during National Nurses
Week, especially the approximately 1,800 dedicated nurses caring for patients in the health system’s hospitals and clinics
across central and south Georgia. Nurses Week is recognized every year May 6-12 to honor those who see nursing as
more than just a profession and selflessly answer the call to compassionately care for others.
The American Nurses Association officially began recognizing this week in 1990, concluding the week on the birthday of
Florence Nightingale, the woman affectionately known as the founder of modern nursing and who helped revolutionize the
field. Every year, Atrium Health Navicent proudly pauses to honor the nurses who give so much to care for their patients,
day in and day out. Their service is invaluable to the health care field as well as our communities.
“Nurses don’t just treat patients; they care for the whole person, their families and their loved ones,” said Janice Walker,
senior vice president and chief nursing officer for the southeast region of Advocate Health, which encompasses the entire
footprint of Atrium Health. “Nurses are advocates and educators for the people who are in their care, sometimes guiding
them through their most difficult days. We celebrate them this week as part of National Nurses Week, but also each and
every day. I am so appreciative of their dedication to nursing excellence, leading the way in clinical innovation and
providing compassion beyond all measure for the people who trust us with their care.”
Several events will be held at Atrium Health Navicent throughout the week to honor nurses including a pancake breakfast,
pet therapy visits, massages, well-being webinar, ice cream social and more.
“While the role of nurses has expanded and changed throughout the years, the care, compassion and courage at the
base of our work remains the same as nurses make a difference in countless lives daily,” said Atrium Health Navicent
Chief Nursing Executive Tracey Blalock. “Nurses are the front line of health care leading the way. We thank all of our
nurses for their tireless dedication and everyday commitment to ensuring each patient receives excellent care!”
Atrium Health Navient The Medical Center is a four-time recipient of the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
Magnet designation which recognizes a hospital’s commitment to excellence in nursing leadership, professional
development, community impact, professional practice, quality patient care and innovation. Only 3 percent of all U.S.
hospitals have received four or more Magnet designations.
Earlier this year, Atrium Health Navicent Peach received the ANCC’s Pathway to Excellence Program designation which
recognizes health care organizations that demonstrate a commitment to establishing the foundation of a healthy
workplace for staff. Atrium Health Navicent Peach is one of nine Pathway to Excellence designated hospitals in Georgia
and one of 218 in the nation.
In recognition of the ongoing need for nurses, Atrium Health Navicent has partnered with local schools to create a career
pipeline of trained nurses by providing tuition assistance and part-time employment to assist individuals pursuing nursing
careers. For additional information about nursing careers at Atrium Health Navicent, visit https://careers.atriumhealth.org/.
Editor’s note: Media representatives are asked to contact [email protected] if you are interested in speaking
with a nurse about this important recognition week.