It’s National Nurses Week. Check Your Nursing IQ.

National Nurses Week begins each year on May 6th and ends on May 12th, Florence Nightingale’s birthday.  Across America, registered nurses are being saluted for their dedication and commitment to taking care of the sick, preventing disease and improving health. 

National Nurses Week begins each year on May 6th and ends on May 12th, Florence Nightingale’s birthday.  Across America, registered nurses are being saluted for their dedication and commitment to taking care of the sick, preventing disease and improving health. 

How much do you know about the nursing profession?  Here are some quick facts from the American Nurses Association:

• Total licensed registered nurses in US:  3.1 million
• Total licensed RNs working in nursing in US:  2.6 million
• Percentage of employed RNs working in hospitals:  62.2%
• Average age of employed RNs:  45.5 years old
• Percentage of RNs age 50 or older:  45%
• Percentage of male RNs:  6.6%
• Percentage of RNs with baccalaureate or higher degree:  50%
• Projected job growth for RNs 2008 – 2018:  581,500 jobs
• Projected shortage of nurses to meet demand by 2025:  260,000
• President that signed proclamation designating May 6 as ”National Recognition Day for Nurses”:  Ronald Reagan in 1982

To nurses everywhere – thank you for the work you do.