Every year, National Nurses Week focuses attention on the diverse ways America's 3.1 million registered nurses work to save lives and to improve the health of millions of individuals. This year, the American Nurses Association (ANA) has selected "Nurses: Advocating, Leading, Caring " as the theme for 2012. 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.

ANA, through its state and constituent member associations, advances the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting economic and general welfare, promoting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and lobbying Congress and the regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public.

Traditionally, National Nurses Week is devoted to highlighting the diverse ways in which registered nurses, who comprise 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.

In honor of the dedication, commitment, and tireless effort of registered nurses to promote and maintain the health of individuals, Calais Regional Hospital is proud to recognize registered nurses during this week for the quality work they provide seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Nurses at Calais Regional Hospital include RN’s: Allison Atkinson, Pam Beckett, Catherine Blake, Mike Bodkin, Shelly Bodkin, Elizabeth Boomer, Katelyn Chadwick, Beverly Champagne, Barbara Clark, Vicki Clark, Krista Collins, Marty Colson, Brittany Cox, Beth Curtis, Portia Demerchant, Marlene Dobson, Teena Dominie, Alicea Earle, Diane Footer, Ed Fritz, Donna Gawe, Trudy Gillespie, Kristen Gower, Terry Handrahan, Whitney Hayward, Anna-Lee Higgins, Frances Holst, Melanie Howard, Diana Howell, Sharon Johnson, Cherry Knowles, Rebecca Lingley, Hollye Lord, Louise Lowe, Mary Beth Maxwell, Heidi McCann, Carol McElarney, Elaine McGlaughlin, Paulette Meister, Alison Monaghan, Brenda Nadeau-Deveau, Bridgid Neptune-Hood, Dolly Newcomb, Mary Beth Newman, Janet Perkins, Patricia Phillips-Doyle, Erica Pike, Maureen Pike, Barbara Reay, Luann Reppert, Julie Reynolds, Julie Richard, Shirley Richardson, Melissa Royer, Cathy Scullin, Crystal Seavey, Lee Seelye, Anne Sluzenski, Wanda Smith, Barbara Sprague, Dustin St. Pierre, Barbara Stanhope, Carmen Stanley, Kathleen Stevens, Eleonore Sullivan, Karen Thomas, Ericka Tracy, Jenny Turner, Donna Webb, Patricia Wentworth, Barbara Wheaton, Heather White, Heidi Williams, Cheryl Zwingman-Bagley, CNO, and LPN’s: Kennetha Doten, Marion Monk, Peter Yates.