Leadership Message: Celebrating National Nurses Week 2026
(SACRAMENTO)
Dear Colleagues,
As we celebrate National Nurses Week, May 6 through May 12, we pause to recognize, celebrate, and thank the extraordinary nurses of UC Davis Health and across the globe. This week is an opportunity to honor the skills, compassion, and commitment that define the nursing profession and all nurses who make a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients and communities.
We close the week on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, whose legacy continues to shape nursing today. Widely regarded as the founder of modern nursing, her innovation, courage, and commitment to patient-centered care live on in the work our nurses do every day.
Inspired by Nightingale’s legacy, nurses are central to the care we provide at UC Davis Health. Whether delivering hands-on care, advancing research, improving quality, advocating for patients, or educating the next generation, our nurses lead with expertise and empathy. They are essential to creating a safe, healing environment and to advancing our mission of delivering exceptional care that transforms lives and communities.
This week – and every week – we are grateful for the dedication, resilience, and professionalism our nurses bring to their work. I encourage everyone to take a moment to acknowledge and thank a nurse for the vital role they play in advancing care, improving outcomes, and making a lasting difference in our patients’ lives.
With gratitude,
Christine Williams, MS, RN, CNS Chief Nursing Executive Chief Nursing Informatics Officer UC Davis Health
