Nursing weeks held in October

Fall is officially here, and for some travel nurses, that means taking out the comfy cable knit sweaters and getting ready to play in the leaves. For others, fall weather still allows a nurse to have fun in the sun and play in the surf. Regardless of what a nurse is doing during his or her off time during the month of October, he or she may want to take a moment to celebrate the various nursing weeks being held throughout the month.

Here are five nursing weeks celebrated in October:

1. National Midwifery Week. Celebrated the first week of October, this event recognizes midwives for the work they do to bring new life into this world. National Midwifery Week was created by the American College of Nurse-Midwives to promote the continuation of the ethical treatment of women during the entire pregnancy process.

2. National Physician Assistants Week. Every year from October 6 to 12, the American Academy of Physician Assistants works to promote the industry. Events will be held throughout the week and across the nation to support physician assistants and the development of their specialty. These professionals help nurses treat and rehabilitate patients in a medical facility because caring for patients will often require multiple people to be present for the entire healing process. 

3. Pediatric Nursing Week. Travel nurses that are fond of babies may be certified as a pediatric nurse. From October 7 to 13, the Society of Pediatric Nurses works toward creating professional bonds between nurses, promoting the specialty and educating the public about the vital role pediatric nurses play in the care of the smallest humans.

4. Emergency Nurses Week. The stress of the emergency room is rarely matched by other departments in a hospital. Emergency nurses are steadfast and can weather any storm that comes their way during a shift. From October 7 to 13, the Emergency Nurses Association will celebrate the industry and the impact nurses have in the medical field. This year's theme is "Every Patient + Every Time = Making a Difference."

5. National Medical Assistants Week. From October 15 to 19, the American Association of Medical Assistants will promote the roles medical assistants play in a medical office. Without these individuals' help, many physicians and nurses may find it difficult to perform their best work. Consequently, this week has been dedicated toward supporting those professionals who enable nurses and doctors to do their job well.