Actions to Mark International Nurses’ Day

Registered nurses will mark International Nurses’ Day with two actions in the District of Columbia aimed at protecting patients and caregivers.

First, nurses will rally outside the John A. Wilson Building on May 12 at 8:45 a.m. to urge the District of Columbia Council to pass legislation to protect patients by mandating minimum nurse-to-patient ratios in all DC hospitals. 

• What: Rally for Safe Staffing in the District of Columbia
• When: Tuesday, May 12, 8:45 a.m.
• Where: John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.

Then, nurses will demonstrate and deliver a petition to Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert McDonald, demanding respect for nurses’ rights in VA hospitals across the country and support for the VA Employee Fairness Act.

• What: Demonstration and Rally
• When: Tuesday, May 12, 10:00 a.m.
• Where: Veterans Administration headquarters, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW

These events are part of a global week of action organized by Global Nurses United and its U.S. affiliate, National Nurses United (NNU). 

NNU, the largest union and professional association of registered nurses in the United States, represents 185,000 RNs across the country, including 4,400 in DC and more than 10,000 at 23 VA medical centers.

Global Nurses United is the only international trade union organization devoted exclusively to representing nurses and unites 20 nurses’ unions in 18 countries, including the U.S.  Nurses unions around the world are taking action during international nurses’ week, May 6-12.  May 12, international nurses’ day, marks the birthday of Florence Nightingale.