On May 12th at noon, every nurse around the world is invited to pause and observe a moment of silence in celebration of holistic nursing and Florence Nightingale (1820-1910), the founder of modern nursing. The goal is to reach every nurse in the world with the fundamental principles of holistic nursing. These principles are based on Florence Nightingale's philosophies of caring for the whole person - mind, body and spirit. Holistic nurses join together each year during Nurses Week (May 6-12, 2011) to show their gratitude for Nightingale's contributions to both modern health care and holistic nursing. This is an ideal opportunity to share the spirit of holism during Nurses Week with the entire nursing community  

American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA), whose mission statement is to nurture and inspire its members and to advance the philosophy and practices of holistic nursing, is encouraging its members around the country to take time to celebrate and reflect on the life of Florence Nightingale.  All nurses are honoring this day by meeting with other nurses, holding candlelight vigils, participating in "Blessing of the Hands" ceremonies and much more. During this 24-hour period, nurses around the world will:    

·         Honor Florence Nightingale and her legacy to modern nursing.

·         Honor the strength and wisdom of our nursing mission.

·         Reconnect with the sense of calling to nursing.

·         Acknowledge the interconnections and oneness of nurses in the personal, political, social, and scientific domains.

·         Relight the lamp and carry the vision of caring and healing into the new millennium.

Ways Holistic Nurses Will Celebrate Nurses Week 2011 and the Nightingale Moment:

·         Organizing special celebrations and self-care days for nurses. 

·         Working with local hospitals and other health facilities to set up special displays about Florence Nightingale and AHNA. 

·         Requesting local city councils to officially designate May 12 as Florence Nightingale Day. 

·         Hosting special programs and retreats.

·         Performing "Blessing of the Hands" 

·         Holding candlelight vigils.

·         Writing articles.

AHNA originated the Florence Nightingale Commemorative Moment in 2000 as a celebration of nursing's founder.The spreading interest in Nightingale's influence has created events and connections throughout the world for nearly a decade.

More information about the twelfth annual Nightingale Moment and tips on how to celebrate can also be found at the AHNA Web site, www.ahna.org including a calendar of Nightingale events across the country.

Photo of Florence Nightingale provided by AHNA.