May 6, 2026 – The City of Okeechobee has officially proclaimed May 6–12 as Nurses Week, recognizing the extraordinary dedication and impact of nurses at HCA Florida Raulerson Hospital. The proclamation, presented during the May 5 City Council meeting, highlights the vital role nurses play in advancing the health and well-being of the community.
With more than 100,000 nurses nationwide, HCA Healthcare recognizes its nursing workforce as central to its mission: above all else, a commitment to the care and improvement of human life.
This year’s theme, “The Power of Nurses,” reflects the strength, resilience and compassion nurses bring to every patient interaction. From bedside care to community outreach, nurses have a profound and lasting impact on the individuals and families they serve.
Observed annually from May 6 through May 12, National Nurses Week honors more than 5 million registered nurses across the United States, recognizing their critical contributions to improving health outcomes and elevating the quality of care nationwide.
Healthcare organizations mark the week with special celebrations and meaningful recognition, paying tribute to the essential work nurses perform every day. Nurses are often the first to provide comfort and the steady presence patients rely on throughout their care journey.
“Nurses bring both skill and a healer’s touch to every patient they serve,” said Dorothy Watson, chief nursing officer at HCA Florida Raulerson Hospital. “We are grateful to the City of Okeechobee for this recognition and proud to celebrate the incredible nurses at HCA Florida Raulerson Hospital.”
As Nurses Week continues, the community is encouraged to join in recognizing and celebrating the nurses whose dedication continues to shape healthier lives across Okeechobee and beyond.
About HCA Florida Raulerson Hospital
Serving Okeechobee County since 1979, HCA Florida Raulerson Hospital is a 100-bed full-service acute care hospital. Specializing in emergency services, minimally-invasive surgery, hip and knee replacement, urology, gastroenterology services, mammography services and occupational, physical and speech therapy, we provide high-quality patient care to Okeechobee residents and the surrounding communities. We hold the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Primary Stroke Center Certification and Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award for nine years in a row (2026-2018). Within minutes of FL-710, the hospital’s 24-hour emergency room provides specialized hospital services for adults and children of all ages.
About HCA Florida Healthcare
HCA Florida Healthcare, a part of HCA Healthcare, is one of Florida’s leading healthcare networks. Its 11,200 physicians and 80,000 colleagues work together to deliver evidence-based, collaborative care through nearly 12.8 million patient encounters annually. With more than 670 connected care sites—including hospitals, physician practices, urgent care centers and freestanding emergency rooms—across the state, HCA Florida Healthcare helps expand access to the specialized care patients need. HCA Florida Healthcare hospitals are annually recognized for excellence in patient experience and clinical outcomes, including three facilities ranked in the top 2% nationally for overall clinical excellence. A leader in healthcare education, HCA Florida Healthcare supports the next generation of healthcare workers through its 153 graduate medical education programs across 29 hospitals. In 2025, the network provided more than $1.1 billion in uncompensated care and contributed more than $3.5 million to community organizations across the state. Visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com.
