MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- The 366th Medical Group will join the Air Force Medical Service in celebrating Nurse and Medical Technician Appreciation Week. This event commences on May 6, National Nurse Recognition Day, and ends May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, founder of nursing as a modern profession.

This year the motto is, "Delivering Quality and Innovation in Patient Care." This motto most certainly reflects the essence of modern nursing, especially in today's world. As all Airmen adapt to the changes brought on by the recent sequestration, healthcare professionals in all areas are looking to be innovators in delivering cost effective quality care. Registered nurses and other health professionals could not provide world class healthcare without the assistance of the highly skilled medical technicians working beside them. This is true at each medical group in the U.S. and abroad, whether on a humanitarian mission, taking blood pressures and briefing on preventative medical care; or in a deployment setting placing a chest tube or maintaining security. Nurses and Medical Technicians are very versatile in the roles they juggle and bring new experiences to every work environment. The wealth of knowledge and skill that is brought by the medical technician is invaluable to nurses and health professionals throughout the Air Force. Every RN and Medical Technician plays a vital role in innovation and providing the best care, anytime, anywhere!

During this year's observance, the medical group has several events planned to honor its 103 nurses and medical technicians working in areas such as family health, urgent care, obstetrics and gynecology, flight medicine, family care unit, surgery, operating room and anesthesia services. Events throughout the week will provide a time for special thanks to be given to all the nurses and medical technicians who help to deliver extraordinary care everywhere! The United States Air Force's nurses and Medical Technicians are always there for you, whether it is emergency care, assisting with medical procedures, counseling during your annual PHA, or caring for your loved ones. These personnel make a significant impact behind the scenes every day and work to ensure safe and quality health care is rendered to every Airman and their family members. During this week, please take a moment and thank the nurses and medical technicians when you see them for the exceptional care that they provide.