National Nurses Week May 6-12

National Nurses Week (May 6–12) gives us a moment to pause, reflect, and recognize the compassion, commitment, and healing hands of nurses across the country. But here at the Family Resource Center (FRC), we’re shining a special spotlight on a truly unique group of nurses—our Home Visiting Nurses—who support families during one of life’s most tender and transformative seasons: the journey from pregnancy through the earliest years of parenthood. 

These incredible professionals, working through our Healthy Families America program, are more than healthcare providers. They are listeners, educators, confidants, and fierce champions for new moms and growing families across the North Country. Their role is deeply personal, profoundly impactful, and deserves every ounce of appreciation we can give. 

As we honor National Nurses Week 2025 under the inspiring theme, “The Power of Nurses,” we are proud to highlight Merrilee, a dedicated home visiting nurse with the Family Resource Center (FRC) serving Coos and Northern Grafton counties in New Hampshire. With 14 years of nursing experience, Merrilee’s strength comes from the deep connections she builds within the community she serves. She treasures the moments when families and clients share how her care has made a positive difference in their lives.

Merrilee embodies the true power of nursing by empowering families to take charge of their health and well-being. Her commitment to fostering healthier families aligns perfectly with FRC’s mission to build stronger communities through compassionate support and education. Merrilee’s work is a shining example of how nurses transform lives, one home visit at a time.

“I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for the wonderful support Merrilee provides since working with you guys at FRCS. In the couple home meetings we’ve had, with the open text line support, she’s been a tremendous help in validating my efforts to make sure that I am on the right track with giving the best care for my son.” – Coos County 

Why Home Visiting Nurses Matter So Much 

Home Visiting Nurses are there from the very beginning, most times before the baby is born, offering prenatal education and support, along with a steady hand to hold through the early chaos and beauty of parenthood. This position is intimate in the truest sense of the word. These nurses are welcomed into homes, routines, and the private moments of family life rarely shared with others. They become trusted members of each family’s story. 

At The Family Resource Center, this means: 

• Supporting new moms during pregnancy with information on fetal development, nutrition, and preparing for birth. 

• Helping parents feel confident in feeding, bonding, safe sleep, and early developmental milestones. 

• Screening for postpartum depression and mental health needs, and offering a compassionate ear. 

• Empowering families with resources on everything from housing and childcare to breastfeeding and baby-proofing. 

Backed by the evidence-based model of Healthy Families America (HFA), our nurses follow best practices in building strong, nurturing parent-child relationships—proven to prevent child abuse, increase school readiness, and improve overall family wellness. According to HFA, consistent, voluntary home visits help new parents gain the skills, confidence, and resilience they need to raise healthy children and thrive as a family. 

The Intimacy of Trust 

When you’re a brand-new mom, feeling unsure, exhausted, or isolated, the gentle guidance of a Home Visiting Nurse can be life-changing. These nurses don’t arrive with a clipboard and stopwatch. They come with open arms and open hearts, meeting each family where they are, without judgment. They celebrate the first giggles, offer encouragement after a long night, and sit with parents in moments of anxiety or fear. 

And it’s not a short-term relationship. Our nurses often stay involved until the child turns three years old, creating strong, consistent bonds rooted in genuine care. For many families, especially those navigating poverty, trauma, or lack of support, their nurse becomes one of the most stable and empowering relationships they have. 

“As a first-time mother, I felt like I had a lot of stupid questions that I was too embarrassed to ask just anyone. Merrilee made me feel empowered. I found her to be extremely knowledgeable, relatable, and validating. It’s a comfort knowing I have her as a health resource.”- Grafton County

Helping Families Flourish 

The mission of the Family Resource Center is to build healthier families and stronger communities, and our Home Visiting Nurses embody that mission every day. They are on the front lines of prevention, education, and advocacy, ensuring families in Coös and Northern Grafton counties get the support they need before a crisis arises. 

They offer a model of hope, strength, and unconditional care and that ripple effect extends far beyond any one home. It’s how we build better tomorrows. 

“Merrilee’s kindness and expertise has already made a significant difference in my experience this time around and I only wish I could have known her sooner when I had my other children! I just want to thank her for everything she does. Her work along with FRCS, is truly invaluable.”- Coos County

How You Can Honor Them This Week 

As we celebrate National Nurses Week, here are a few ways to show your appreciation for the Home Visiting Nurses in your life or community: 

• Send a heartfelt thank-you note or message to a nurse who’s made a difference. 

• Share your story. If a home visiting nurse supported you or your family, consider sharing your experience on social media or with FRC. Your words matter. 

• Donate to support our home visiting programs. Every dollar helps us continue this vital work. 

• Help spread awareness. Tell a new or expecting mom about the resources available at the Family Resource Center.

To Our Home Visiting Nurses 

From the bottom of our hearts: thank you. You are more than healthcare professionals—you are lifelines, encouragers, and agents of lifelong change. You hold space for families in their most vulnerable and joyful moments, and we are endlessly grateful for your dedication. Happy National Nurses Week.