Nurses Week 2026: The Power of Nurses™
National Nurses Week is a time to pause and honor the dedicated professionals whose skill, compassion and steady presence make exceptional care possible every day. The American Nurses Association (ANA) first established the May 6th to 12th observance in 1993, building on decades of creating a meaningful tradition for the nursing profession. Its unique date range represents historical significance; Nurses Week culminates on Florence Nightingale’s birthday (May 12), which is also International Nurses Day, so kicking off the week on the same day every year provides a consistent structure for its observance.
This year’s celebration is centered on “The Power of Nurses,” reflecting the strength, resilience and heart that nurses bring to their work. To help illustrate this power, landmarks, monuments and healthcare hubs across the country, like Independence Blue Cross in Philly, will be lit in red throughout the week as part of the #NursesLightUpTheSky campaign. 2025 featured 206 illuminated buildings across the U.S., and the ANA surpassed its goal of 250 for this year, originally set in honor of America’s Semiquincentennial. It was a global effort spanning 41 states, three U.S. territories and two countries in the Middle East.
At Grace Inspired Living, we’re proud to join communities nationwide in saying ‘thank you’ to the nurses and healthcare teams who serve with excellence, empathy and grace.
Lutheran Community at Telford
At Lutheran Community at Telford (LCT), the week included a thoughtful lineup of appreciation activities designed to brighten the workdays of those who faithfully care for our residents. The celebration featured ‘Wear Jeans Wednesday,’ a visit from the Philly Waffle Cabin, “Count the Q-Tips” challenge, complementary, staff-wide lunch in the recently-dedicated Dr. Jeffrey D. Thatcher Auditorium, and a ‘Gift Card Bonanza’ raffle to close out the week. These leisurely engagement opportunities a simple but meaningful way to recognize the people who bring comfort, clinical expertise, and kindness to the community each day.
The Community at Rockhill
Likewise, a few miles up the road at The Community at Rockhill, Nurses Week was marked by a full schedule of special recognition and team building as well. Our hardworking staff in Sellersville enjoyed the same sweet treats from the Waffle Cabin, a free taco bar lunch in the multi-purpose room (MPR) and similar prize-winning opportunities, followed by their own Dress Down Day to wrap up the festivities. Additionally, the community’s main lobby held a touching display of historic, personal keepsakes belonging to residents who worked as nurses before retiring at Rockhill. It was a week filled with gratitude, fun and well-earned praise for Rockhill’s healthcare team.
A Gift of Thanks
Finally, as a token of appreciation from parent not-for-profit Grace Inspired Living, nurses at both Lutheran Community at Telford and The Community at Rockhill also received a custom gift in honor of Nurses Week. This year unveiled a large canvas tote bag and practical keepsake as a symbol of the shared mission that connects the family of communities with the compassionate healthcare professionals who serve within them.
On behalf of our entire organization, we’d like to thank all the nursing staff and remind them that their hard work is seen, valued and deeply appreciated, not only during Nurses Week but throughout the year. Your compassion, professionalism and daily dedication make a meaningful difference in the lives of our residents, and you deserve to be celebrated for the vital role you play in our continuing care retirement communities each and every day.
