SARASOTA, Fla. (May 6, 2026) – Sarasota Memorial Health Care System joins the nation in celebrating National Nurses Week, a time to appreciate and acknowledge the dedication and compassionate care provided by 4,000 nurses across its two hospitals and health system, along with 1,250 patient care and multi-skilled technicians who support them.
SMH and other hospitals and healthcare organizations host celebrations and appreciation events each year during Nurses Week, starting on May 6 and culminating on May 12, Florence Nightingale's birthday.
“Our nurses bring remarkable skill and dedication to their work, ensuring patients and families feel cared for, heard and supported every step of the way. The difference they make in our patients' lives cannot be overstated,” said Sarasota Memorial Health Care System Chief Nursing Officer Jean Lucas, PhD, APRN.
SMH’s flagship Sarasota hospital is recognized among a distinguished group of hospitals that has maintained Magnet designation – the nation’s highest nursing honor – for the past 23 years. That is an achievement and level of sustained nursing excellence attained by just 2% of hospitals nationwide, according to the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Throughout the week, celebrations will take place across the system, including its annual presentation of Nurse of Excellence Awards, which will be shared on SMH social media channels with other Nurses Week highlights and this video tribute below.
Thank a Nurse: If you would like to recognize an SMH nurse, send a StarGram from SMH’s website: www.smh.com/stargram
About Sarasota Memorial Health Care System
Sarasota Memorial Health Care System is a regional medical center offering Southwest Florida’s greatest breadth and depth of care, with about 2,500 physicians and advanced practice providers, 11,000 employees and 2 million patient visits annually across its network of care. Sarasota County’s largest employer, the community-owned health system includes two full-service hospitals in Sarasota and Venice, freestanding ERs in North Port and Lakewood Ranch, a rehabilitation hospital, behavioral health hospital, skilled nursing facility and comprehensive network of outpatient centers, urgent care clinics and physician practices. Founded in 1925, SMH’s flagship Sarasota hospital is the only Florida hospital to earn a perfect 5-Star rating from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services — every year — since the federal rating program began in 2016.