By Sandy Connors | Editorial credit: tetiana.photographer / shutterstock.com
Nurses Week 2025, celebrated from May 6 to May 12, is a time to honor the extraordinary contributions of nurses who power our healthcare system every day. This year’s theme, “The Power of Nurses,” highlights the strength, compassion, and leadership that define the profession. In New York City, where nurses care for one of the most diverse populations in the world, their power is not only visible—it’s transformational.
From emergency rooms in the Bronx to community clinics in Queens, from public schools in Brooklyn to home care in Staten Island, New York City’s nurses are the lifeblood of the healthcare system. Many are immigrants, bringing a wealth of cultural knowledge, language skills, and global experience that enhances patient care across the five boroughs.
The Power of Immigrant Nurses in NYC
New York City is home to one of the most diverse nursing workforces in the country, with more than one-third of its nurses born outside the United States. Immigrant nurses from the Philippines, Caribbean, Latin America, West Africa, South Asia, and Eastern Europe serve on the front lines of care in city hospitals, nursing homes, and home health settings.
These nurses play a critical role in bridging communication gaps, delivering culturally competent care, and advocating for patients who may be navigating complex health systems in a second language. They don’t just provide care—they bring comfort, trust, and equity to every interaction.
Their presence is especially vital in a city where more than 200 languages are spoken and over 36% of residents are foreign-born. The power of immigrant nurses is not just in what they do—it’s in how they connect.
Celebrating Nurses Week 2025 Across the Five Boroughs
Hospitals, unions, and health systems across NYC are marking Nurses Week with a range of celebrations and initiatives. Institutions like NYC Health + Hospitals, Mount Sinai, Montefiore, and NYU Langone are recognizing the work of nurses through:
Nursing excellence awards and recognition ceremonies
Wellness events including yoga, massages, and mental health support
Cultural appreciation days celebrating international nursing communities
Educational forums and policy discussions focused on equity, burnout, and workforce development
Labor unions such as 1199SEIU and the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) are also using this week to advocate for better staffing ratios, safe working conditions, and immigration protections for internationally trained nurses.
What “The Power of Nurses” Means in 2025
In today’s challenging healthcare environment, nurses in NYC are facing increased patient loads, long hours, and mental health strain. Despite these pressures, they continue to lead with courage and integrity.
For many, the theme “The Power of Nurses” is deeply personal.
“I care for patients who look like me, speak like me, and trust me because I understand their journey,” says Jasmine, a Filipino-American nurse in Queens. “That’s my power—it’s connection through compassion.”
Kwadw, a Ghanaian-born home care nurse in Brooklyn, adds: “Our power is in our presence. Every day, we care, we listen, and we lift up our communities.”
Looking Forward: Investing in the Future of Nursing
To fully support the power of nurses, especially in NYC, we must invest in their future:
Expand access to nursing education in immigrant and underserved communities
Simplify credentialing for internationally trained nurses
Improve pay, staffing ratios, and mental health resources
Create clear leadership pipelines for nurses of color
With the U.S. facing a projected shortage of over 200,000 nurses annually, New York must continue to lead in building a strong, diverse, and empowered nursing workforce.
Conclusion: The Power of Nurses Deserves More Than One Week
Nurses Week 2025 is a powerful reminder of the essential role nurses play in every neighborhood, every hospital, and every home. In New York City, their power is amplified by diversity, strengthened by experience, and grounded in humanity.
Let’s honor their work not just with words, but with action—year-round.
Happy Nurses Week 2025 to every nurse powering health, healing, and hope in the city that never sleeps.
Nurses Week 2025: Honoring the Power of Nurses in New York City added by NewBlackVoices on
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