People around the United States celebrate National Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses’ Day each year on September 8. This annual national observance was first organized to pay homage to the hard work and dedication of these nurses and to honor their sacrifices. Oncology, pediatrics, and hematology are some of the most critical fields of medicine, requiring special attention from all practitioners. These brave nurses are honored on this day for their invaluable contributions and acts of service. Want to become one of these real-life heroes? Check out these nursing scholarships on Scholaroo.
History of National Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses Day
This national celebration is also a recognition of the importance of pediatrics, oncology, and hematology in our daily lives. This is especially true for more specialized fields like hematology and oncology, the latter of which directly concerns cancers and tumors.
Pediatrics has been practiced since ancient times. Medical research and treatises dedicated to children’s healthcare can be traced back to the ancient Greeks and Byzantines. This, however, didn’t become particularly clear until the late 17th century. Around this period, medical sciences developed immensely and proved that children’s diseases were different, and thus required a different healthcare method.
This was around the same period when other medical fields like hematology and oncology arose. In the mid-17th century, the earliest academic antecedents of hematology as a distinct medical specialty emerged. As microscopes evolved, along with advances in blood cell research, a hematological study was enabled and opened new possibilities for medicine. For oncology, the study of tumors can be traced back to Galen, an ancient Greek doctor. However, the term was only applied in the 17th century, as a recognition of the sources of this study, and signaled its development as a medical specialty with adequate research methods.
As of now, these medical specialties are our main line of defense against chronic diseases. The annual commemoration in honor of the nurses was first organized in 2010 by the Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses.
National Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses Day timeline
This ancient document includes the earliest mention of the importance of skilled nurses in medical practice.
Several hospitals and church medical practices begin developing a model for nursing.
The pioneer of modern nursing, she practices in England and helps to develop an expansive model used for modern nursing.
The Bellevue Hospital School of Nursing is the first nursing school with modern standards.
National Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses Day FAQs
What is the role of a nurse?
Nurses are tasked with taking details of the patient’s state and caring for their specific needs. The role of a nurse is essentially that of supervising the patients.
How many nursing specialties are there?
As the profession develops, it increases the number of specialties. As of now, there are over 100 nursing specialties.
Is nursing easy to study?
There is a lot of information that nurses are required to know. The studies and exams can be challenging, and the field is also quite competitive.
How to Observe National Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses Day
Show appreciation
As one of the most vital jobs in medicine, it is important to show appreciation for the significant work nurses perform. On this special observance, help make a nurse’s day.
Organize or attend an event
There are many hospitals or associations that would organize an event in honor of nurses, especially on this day. Make sure to attend, or even volunteer to organize one.
Donate
Look in your community or city for professional associations for nurses. There are many ways in which you can help, and they would be more than glad to welcome you. Of course, you can also donate money to further help them.
5 Interesting Facts About Nursing
One of the oldest professions
Nursing is one of the oldest professions in the world. Its earliest recorded examples are in India in 268 B.C.
Infinite steps
Nurses walk a lot, with the average distance being five miles for every shift.
Besides hospitals
Nurses can also work outside hospitals; for example, some practice in schools, company offices, athletic institutions, and others.
Top jobs
Nursing professions are some of the most sought after in the US, as they pay well and include several benefits.
Multiple specialties
Nursing is a general term that can refer to a wide variety of nursing professions from anesthetics to surgical nurses.
Why National Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses Day is Important
On the frontlines of healthcare
In modern medical practice, the role of the nurse is essential. They are tasked with supervising the patient’s state and constantly catering to their needs. As such, they are indeed at the frontline of health and patient care.
Recognize one of the most essential jobs
This special annual observance is set to recognize the important roles that oncology, hematology, and pediatric nurses play. Shedding light on their efforts is the goal of this observance.
Pay it back
It is important to reward some of the most giving members of society. The job of a nurse is to anticipate the needs of patients and care for them. As such, their efforts are more than worthy of our appreciation.
National Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | September 8 | Sunday |
| 2025 | September 8 | Monday |
| 2026 | September 8 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | September 8 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | September 8 | Friday |
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