National Nurses Week (May 6–12) is a time to recognize the nearly 4.7 million registered nurses (RNs) across the US, the largest healthcare profession in the country. Beyond the statistics, nurses are the backbone of adolescent health, especially when it comes to vaccinations. At a time when many adolescents are missing routine care visits, and vaccination coverage still falls short of Healthy People 2030 goals, the role of nurses has never been more important. Here are four reasons we love nurses:
1. Nurses Make Complex Health Information Easy to Understand
Nurses are skilled communicators who translate complex health information understandable and accessible into everyday language. They explain why vaccines matter, what will happen during a visit, and how to stay on track with recommended schedules. In the process, nurses also address vaccine misinformation, using approaches like plain language and cultural humility to meet adolescents where they are. When people truly understand health information, they are far more likely to trust it and act on it.
2. Nurses are Trusted Advocates
Nurses build long-term relationships with adolescents and families, and they use trust to advocate for vaccines and preventive care. Their impact goes beyond the exam room or the clinic. Public health nurses shape community programs, and school nurses support adolescents throughout the school day by providing care, addressing concerns, and in some states, even administering recommended vaccinations. This advocacy helps keep vaccination on families’ radar, even when life is busy.
3. Nurses keep vaccination on track
Nurses are essential to getting vaccines from the shelf to the shoulder. They can safely administer vaccines and help to keep adolescents on track with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)-recommended immunization schedules. During every visit, they can review records, spot missed doses and make a clear plan to catch up.
4. Nurses are often the first point of contact
For many adolescents, nurses are the first (and sometimes only) point of contact they see in the healthcare system. When you walk into a doctor’s office, the first person to check you in, take your vitals and ask about your concerns is usually the doctor. This accessibility means nurses can identify missed vaccination opportunities, offer reminders about recommended vaccines, and provide guidance in the moment.
Nurses are educators, advocates, and essential connectors within the healthcare system. Their ability to communicate, build trust, provide care, and remain accessible makes them central to improving adolescent vaccination and overall health. As we celebrate National Nurses Week, supporting and strengthening the nursing workforce is one of the most powerful ways to ensure adolescents receive the care they need.
