'Now & Forever,' a mural by Tristan Eaton honoring health care workers, May 11, 2020, in New York City

© Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Image

Why you should thank a nurse today

Artist Tristan Eaton created this mural, 'Now & Forever,' as part of a big thank you to nurses and other medical personnel during National Nurses Week last year in New York City. At the time, the city was the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic, and an army of nurses, doctors, and other hospital staff delivered critical care under dire conditions. Now a year later, nurses continue their vital work of providing care for the residents of New York and everywhere else. National Nurses Week is observed annually from May 6-12 to honor the crucial role that nurses play in health care—as if we needed any reminder of that after the year we've had. Still, we invite everyone to thank a nurse this week for their skill, professionalism, grit, and warmth. Our debt to them is deep.