Nurses kick off Nurses Week 2026 with calls for hospital executives to implement safe staffing solutions to prioritize patient care

This National Nurses Week, nurses across Minnesota nurses calling on hospital leaders to refocus their commitment to patient care through implementing safe staffing solutions that protect patients and the future of the nursing workforce, the backbone of patient care in every hospital across the state. Year after year, nurses are named the most trusted profession, and that trust is central to how hospitals earn confidence from patients and communities. 

“This Nurses Week, Minnesota nurses continue to stand up for patients and the nursing workforce while hospitals lack effective ways to solve issues of safe staffing, nurse turnover and workplace violence,” said Chris Rubesch, RN, President of the Minnesota Nurses Association. We are calling on all Minnesotans to stand with nurses and demand that hospital executives put patient safety and care first.”  

Throughout the week, nurses are encouraged to wear red and engage with patients and community members to raise awareness about the ongoing staffing issues in Minnesota hospitals. 

National Nurses Week observed annually beginning May 6 through May 12 and culminating on Florence Nightingale’s birthday, recognizes the vital role nurses play across every corner of the healthcare system. Nurses spend more time with patients than any other provider. They are often the first to recognize when something changes, the ones who step in when a condition turns critical, and the people patients and families rely on to navigate the most difficult moments in care. They carry out treatment plans, coordinate across care teams, and ensure care is delivered safely and consistently at every step.   

Minnesota nurses continue to provide highly skilled care at the bedside and are central to patient safety, continuity of care, and clinical outcomes. They are leading a growing movement to transform a broken healthcare system too often shaped by profit margins, demanding one that truly serves patients, families, and communities first. 

Throughout the week landmarks across the Twin Cities Metro including Capella Tower, U.S. Bank Stadium, I-35W Bridge, Lowry Avenue Bridge in Minneapolis and Sperry Tower in Eagan will be lit red to recognize nurses. 

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