This week is National Nurses Week and National Correctional Officers Week.

 Nurses Week runs through May 12, ending on the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. Though the American Nurses Association officially established the week in 1990, recognition efforts date back to the 1950s, and the roots of nursing trace as far back as the Roman Empire.

Locally, Good Samaritan is honoring its nurses with events and traditions. On National Nurses Day, celebrated Tuesday, staff dressed in white to recognize the history and contributions of the profession. The hospital expressed appreciation for the compassion, dedication, and strength nurses bring to patient care each day.

Vincennes University is also recognizing the nursing staff at its Primary Care Center for their work in keeping the campus community healthy.

Meanwhile, National Correctional Officers Week, established in 1984, highlights the essential role of correctional officers in maintaining safety and order—often without public recognition.

The Knox County Sheriff’s Department is encouraging the community to show appreciation for the men and women serving in its Jail Division. The department notes that although much of their work happens behind the scenes, correctional officers are active in the community and embody public service and sacrifice.

Both professions are being acknowledged this week for their dedication to serving others—often in difficult and demanding environments.