The year’s national theme for Nurses Day Friday, May 8, is, “Nurses: Building A Healthy Community!”

“The nurses of Whidbey General Hospital and the greater Whidbey Island community do exactly that every day,” said Tessa Gavin, a RN at the hospital. “Through their caring and ongoing dedication to their profession they are continually improving the lives of those they meet and care for.”

In celebration of nurses everywhere, the hospital is planning:

Blessing of the Hands: Mike Unruh, RN, will be performing a Blessing of the Hands ceremony. It’s open to all caregivers and is a tradition of the American Holistic Nurses Society. The times set aside for this ceremony are 6:45 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. in the Med/Surg Staff Lounge; and noon in the board room.

Vendor fair: From 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 8 there will be a vendor fair in conference rooms A and B, featuring At Home America, The Body Shop, Creative Memories, E-Magazine, Island Girl Nails, Lia Sophia Jewelry, Mary Kay, Party Lite Candles, Pampered Chef, Sensaria Spa Products, Tastefully Simple, and Grand Canyon University. Fifteen percent of proceeds will be donated to Relay For Life.

Downstairs in the hallway you will find a free chair massage offered by Whidbey General’s own Glen Currey and Susan Henry. Coffee and cake will be served all day. Gavin said caregivers in the community are welcome to participate.

Meanwhile, the hospital is taking nominates for “Outstanding Nurse” through May 2. The recognition is open to all nurses working within the Whidbey Island community. Submit letters of nomination postmarked by May 2 to: Whidbey General Hospital, Outstanding Nurse Nomination, Clinical Education, 101 N. Main St., Coupeville, WA 98239.