Jourdanton, TX -- The work of America's 2.9 million registered nurses to save lives and to maintain the health of millions of individuals is the focus of this year's National Nurses Week, celebrated annually May 6-12 throughout the United States. This year, the nurses at South Texas Regional Medical Center (STRMC) have selected "Together we touch lives forever" as the theme for 2008.

Annually, National Nurses Week begins on May 6, marked as RN Recognition Day, and ends on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, founder of nursing as a modern profession. During this week, licensed and registered nurses at South Texas Regional Medical Center will be honored with the following events and gifts: The 2008 Patient Choice Award Luncheon, Cake and Punch Social, "Dip into the Celebration Night", "Lunch is on Us Day", and with the receipt of a CHS National Nurses' Week Gift and the STRMC Nursing Administration Gift.

Traditionally, National Nurses Week is devoted to highlighting the diverse ways in which licensed and registered nurses, the largest health care profession, are working to improve health care. From bedside nursing in hospitals and long-term care facilities to the halls of research institutions, state legislatures, and Congress, the depth and breadth of the nursing profession is meeting the expanding health care needs of American society.

The expected demand for licensed and registered nursing services will be greater than ever because of the aging of the American population, the continuing expansion of life-sustaining technology and the explosive growth of home health care services. More qualified licensed and registered nurses will be needed in the future to meet the increasingly complex needs of health care consumers in this community. Join us in celebrating nursing's accomplishments and efforts to improve our health care delivery system and show our appreciation for our community's nurses not just during this week, but at every opportunity throughout the year!

At STRMC, we are honored and grateful to have a devoted and knowledgeable nursing staff. Thank you STRMC Nurses for choosing to provide patient care at our medical center.