Portraits of Excellence

National Nurses Week: May 6-12, 2024

Nurses are not only the heart and soul but also the face of healthcare, embodying excellence in their practice. Their knowledge and dedication make a lasting impression on the lives of patients and families. During Nurses Week, let’s celebrate the outstanding contributions of nurses everywhere.

Empowering Excellence: Resources and Support

Treat yourself to these carefully curated resources.

The 2024 National Nurses Week Freebies and Discount Blog

AACN Online Communities

Download a Nurses Week Background

AACN Advocacy: Staffing, Nurse Support and More

Staffing Standards

Based on the Task Force recommendations that AACN co-led and with input from our community, we’ve created the first Standards for Appropriate Staffing in Adult Critical Care.

Staffing: New Approaches Are Crucial

Read about AACN’s leadership in national initiatives to improve staffing in acute and critical care and find resources you can apply in your unit.

AACN Advocacy: Using Our Voice in Coalition

Nursing engagement in policy is vital. We work with other organizations in coalition, to advance the priorities of our community.

A Nurse’s Journey From Assault to Advocacy

Receiving the proper assistance after experiencing workplace violence helped this emergency nurse find her voice to help others.

Foster Healthy Work Environments (HWEs)

Discover the impact of AACN's HWE standards and the Healthy Work Environment Assessment Tool (HWEAT) - Version 2.0, which empower healthcare teams to assess, improve and sustain workplace health for better patient care and nurse fulfillment. Learn about AACN's HWE National Collaborative and access free resources to create a healthier work environment, driving positive outcomes and fostering professional well-being.

Nurses Making a Difference: Inspiration and Innovation

Pride for Progress: A Positive Journey About Finding Yourself

By learning from those who came out and advocated before him, this gay critical care nurse can be his authentic self, and his words of wisdom are inspiring.

Empowering Internationally Educated Nurses For Success

Discover how nurse leaders empower internationally educated nurses (IENs) in the U.S. through a comprehensive program, bridging gaps and fostering success, as authored by an IEN.

Circle of Excellence Awards

Show meaningful recognition for an exceptional colleague by nominating them for a Circle of Excellence award.

The Subtle Art of Positively Shifting Culture

Enjoy the impactful journey of Mo Hospital Cat, a series of cartoons created to uplift co-workers in the healthcare setting and foster camaraderie.

AACN Clinical Scene Investigator (CSI) Academy

AACN CSI Academy empowers nurses as change agents, driving improved unit and hospital outcomes through innovation.

Leading New Directions: Diversity and Nursing’s Future

Join Ernest Grant, former Duke Nursing vice dean and ANA president, as he explores diversity, nurse-led care, and healthcare policy in nursing.