FORT LEE, Va. (April 30, 2015) -- A Gallup survey conducted earlier this year found nursing Nurses Week celebrates caregivers' multi-faceted role A majority of the respondents rated nurses as having very high honesty and ethical standards. Patients will often express appreciation for all members of the health care team, but the nurse is often seen as central to ensuring for safe, compassionate care.What patients might not realize is that nurses also are advocates for quality care in various roles ranging from direct care, educator, researcher, and administrator. Due to their efforts, nurses across the United States will be celebrated May 6-12 to raise awareness of their role in sustaining safe, competent, ethical environments to meet the health care needs of the community.National Nurses Week is celebrated annually in conjunction with the May 12 birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing."Florence Nightingale was a pioneer in saving lives via policy change using science and statistics," said Lt. Col. Tammy Mayer, Kenner Army Health Clinic, deputy commander for nursing. "The profession has continued to modernize and evolve, employing the latest in scientific evidence, best practices and technology to care for those who are ill and prevent disease before it happens."This year's theme, "Ethical Practice, Quality Care" recognizes the importance of ethics in nursing and acknowledges the strong commitment, compassion and care nurses display in their practice and profession. The nursing profession is held in high regard by the community and is viewed as a trusted advocate for patients.The KAHC nurses are leading initiatives to enhance the patient experience, and improve outcomes by focusing on primary care Patient Centered Medical Home, prevention, wellness, chronic disease management and the coordination of care among health care providers. All of these are areas in which Kenner nurses excel on a daily basis.Interesting facts about Kenner nurses:• Nursing is the nation's largest health care profession with nearly three million employed professionals. Kenner has a mix of 97 registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and nurse practitioners to ensure efficiency and access to care.• Nurses are rapidly creating and expanding new job roles -- such as nurse navigators, care coordinator specialists and nurse wellness coaches -- to help patients secure resources, obtain seamless comprehensive care and develop healthy lifestyle practices. Kenner nurses work in clinics, managed care, behavioral health, education and training, public health, and quality management."Wherever health care is provided, a nurse is likely to be there -- you might not see him or her but a nurse is likely part of ensuring that your care is safe, effective, timely and patient centered," said Mayer.If anyone encounters a nurse during nurse's week while visiting the doctor, offer words of encouragement and gratitude for their dedication and commitment to providing health care to our Soldiers, families and the community.For additional information call (804) 734-9000.