The story of Nurses Week

National Nurses Week was established in 1954 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth. Florence Nightingale (1820–1910), often hailed as the founder of modern nursing, was a British nurse, statistician, and reformer. Her revolutionary work during the Crimean War drastically reduced mortality rates by addressing critical issues such as poor supplies, inadequate nutrition and unsanitary conditions. Later, she founded the Nightingale Training School at Saint Thomas’ Hospital, furthering her mission to improve healthcare standards and promote safe medical practices.

Today, Nurses Week provides a meaningful opportunity to honor and celebrate the vital contributions of nurses in our communities. This week-long observance includes several key dates, such as National Nurses Day on May 6, National Student Nurse Day on May 8 and National School Nurse Day on May 10. These moments allow us to show gratitude and appreciation for nurses of every specialization who work to care for, advocate for and improve the lives of others.

Caregivers are the heart of our mission

At Maxim Healthcare Services, our nurses and caregivers are at the heart of everything we do. Their consistent and compassionate service to their communities, day after day, allows our patients to live with dignity and independence.

“The benefits Maxim offers to our nurses helps us retain them because they’re happy and they stay with us and take care of our patients,” says Martha VanLith-Jensen, RN, Area Vice President of Clinical Operations.

At Maxim, we believe our caregivers deserve the best and that’s why we’ve created a benefits program designed to support our caregivers’ peace of mind while enhancing their personal and professional journeys.

Our compensation programs are designed to help caregivers plan for the future and celebrate their hard work. These include a 401(k)-retirement program, annual awards, and continuing education opportunities through Maxim’s College Partnership Program. We know that a caregiver’s well-being extends beyond work, which is why we also offer lifestyle discounts, a health advocate membership, paid time off and paid company holidays. Caregivers have access to comprehensive medical, prescription, vision and dental insurance, ensuring they and their loved ones are well cared for. Benefit eligibility varies depending on position and hours worked.

Flexibility is also important to us, and our MaxCares Awards program empowers our caregivers to choose rewards that matter most to them. Whether it’s a cash bonus or extra paid time off, they have the freedom to decide what works best for their life.

We also place strong emphasis on helping our caregivers thrive professionally. Maxim provides continuous learning opportunities through online training sessions, in-person and virtual events and annual Skills Fairs held at our field offices. These programs allow caregivers to stay compliant, refresh essential skills and maintain their certifications. Additionally, our Maxim Rewards Continuing Education (CE) Program provides web-based learning credits to help caregivers build their careers and expand their expertise when it’s convenient for them.

At Maxim, we take pride in offering technological solutions that make life simpler for our caregivers, allowing them to dedicate more time and attention to meeting the needs of their patients. Our MaximCare® mobile platform was thoughtfully designed with features that deliver meaningful benefits, including:

  • Real-time access to shift information so caregivers can stay organized and prepared.
  • Enhanced billing precision, making the process smoother for everyone involved.
  • Prevention of fraud, waste and abuse to ensure trust and integrity in care delivery.
  • A better experience for both patients and caregivers, fostering stronger relationships and improved satisfaction.
  • Protection of patient records and personal information, because privacy and security are vital.
  • Improved adherence to care plans, helping to provide the consistent, compassionate care every individual deserves.

Maxim Healthcare Services provides a range of home health and personal care services in communities across the country. We are currently hiring caregivers like you! Visit our Careers site to learn more about life at Maxim. Not ready to apply? Visit our Talent Community page to explore new opportunities and receive alerts about jobs that align with your experience.

 By supporting the health and wellbeing of our nurses we make tangible impacts on the families in our communities. Learn about one story in our 2025 Nurses week video: