SANTA FE, NM - The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) joins the American Nurses Association in celebration of the nation's more than 3 million registered nurses, the largest health care profession, during National Nurses Week May 6-12.

"Our Department of Health nurses are the heart and soul of our public health services," said Department of Health Secretary Lynn Gallagher. "New Mexico's nurses work in a variety of settings, and it's important that we thank registered nurses not just in public health but everywhere for the care they provide to improve the quality of life for their patients, our families, and communities."

NMDOH salutes its more than 330 nurses statewide this week on the department's social media accounts. Look for the hashtag #nursesweek. This year's theme for National Nurses Week is "The Balance of Mind, Body and Spirit," with a focus on both self-care and being a role model for good health.

National Nurses Week ends on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, founder of nursing as a modern profession.

For more information on National Nurses Week, visit the American Nurses Association at http://www.nursingworld.org/.