ELLENVILLE- This week is National Nurses Week, an annual period of recognition that coincides with the birthday of Florence Nightingale. The national observance was first signed into law by former President Ronald Reagan in 1982 as a day to recognize the service of the nation’s nurses. Eight years later, in 1990, National Nurses Recognition Day was expanded to a week to accommodate nurses with varied schedules.
Ellenville Regional Hospital Registered Nurse Matthew Perrotta said the annual recognition is a reminder for him to reflect on his service as a healthcare professional. Perrotta chose a career in nursing following a serious car accident in which he was involved.
“You work hard and you have to know a lot of things but at the end of the day, you’re able to care for these people, and for me, I think that’s what makes me go to work every day and I love it and I don’t really consider it work,” he said.
