SARASOTA, Fla. (May 6, 2025) – Sarasota Memorial Health Care System joins the nation in celebrating Nurses Week May 6 – 12, a time to appreciate and acknowledge the dedication and quality care provided by more than 3,500 nurses and 1,100 patient care/multi-skilled techs who support patients care throughout its two hospitals and health system.
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. This year, as SMH also celebrates its centennial, it is recognizing the contributions of its nurses present and past, dating back to Nurse Ruth Wilhelm, RN, who simultaneously served as SMH’s first hospital superintendent, director of nurses and a member of the hospital board when the original 32-bed Sarasota Hospital opened its doors in 1925. Faced with a continual shortage of caregivers, Wilhelm opened a local nursing school in 1926, the same year that the Great Miami Hurricane cut a path of destruction across south Florida, killing 500 statewide. Wilhelm and her team of nurses valiantly kept order as the storm blew through, even climbing a tall ladder to patch a damaged skylight to stop the wind and rain from entering the building.
“For a century, Sarasota Memorial has been built on the strength, skill and spirit of those who show up when it matters most,” said Sarasota Memorial Health Care System Chief Nursing Officer Jean Lucas, PhD, APRN. “They are there for people in good times and bad times, and they are dedicated to the community and their patients. We would like to thank and recognize all of the nurses throughout our system for their amazing work and unwavering care and commitment to our patients and community.”
Among other activities this week, the health system will recognize its Nurses of Excellence, presenting awards to nurses who model the values that have made Sarasota Memorial a “Magnet” for the best and brightest clinicians, as well as multi-skilled and patient care technicians supporting nurses and patient care.
SMH-Sarasota has been recognized as one of the best nursing organizations in the U.S., earning Magnet Recognition — the nation’s highest honor for nursing excellence — from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). SMH is the only hospital in the region to achieve Magnet Recognition, and one of fewer than 2% of hospitals nationwide that have attained Magnet status five consecutive times for more than 20 years running. Research indicates that Magnet facilities consistently outperform other hospitals in key quality measures and patient satisfaction results, as well as attract and retain an extraordinary caliber of nurses and have higher staff satisfaction.
In addition to the excellence awards, SMH also will host unit-based celebrations and activities throughout the week, including the popular “Blessing of the Hands,” a tradition in which chaplains anoint nurses’ hands with oil and bless them as instruments of healing. For more vintage photos and historical anecdotes about SMH and its pioneer nurses, browse our centennial e-book, A Century of Caring, at www.smh.com/100.
Video Tribute
Click here to view SMH’s video tribute to its nurses.
Thank a Nurse
If you would like to recognize a Sarasota Memorial nurse, send them a 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 2,500 physicians and advanced practice providers and nearly 2 million patient visits a year 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, a behavioral health hospital, a skilled nursing facility and a comprehensive network of outpatient centers, urgent care clinics and physician practices. Founded in 1925, SMH is celebrating its 100-year anniversary in 2025 and encouraging community members to visit smh.com/100 throughout the year for centennial events and updates.