CHI Health Lights Up Red for Nurses Week

KEARNEY and GRAND ISLAND–CHI Health Good Samaritan and CHI Health St. Francis will be illuminated in red, May 6-12, in honor of National Nurses Week. The observation highlights the expertise, compassion and impact of nurses in the hospital, clinics and community.

'Nurses Light Up the Sky', an American Nurses Association campaign, encourages the illumination of buildings and landmarks to shine a light on the power of nursing and celebrate the more than 5 million nurses across the country.

“More than a gesture, Nurses Week is a moment to celebrate and thank those who are called to care,” said Kimber Bonner, vice president, patient care services, Good Samaritan. “We are excited to shine a light on the incredible impact our nurses make in the health and wellness of the community we serve.”

“We are proud to celebrate the courage, compassion and commitment of our nurses,” said Kiley Grzywa, vice president, patient care services, St. Francis. “Nurses are truly the heart of health care—a steadfast presence from the first greeting to the last farewell, supporting patients and families through their most vulnerable moments.”

National Nurses Week begins each year on May 6 and concludes on May 12, which is the birthday of Florence Nightingale. Established in 1954 and officially recognized by presidential proclamation in 1974, the week honors the vital contributions of the nation’s nurses. 

Good Samaritan Nursing has been recognized globally for its dedication to excellence and providing the highest standard of patient care, with a staff of more than 290 nurses. In 2025, the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) honored the hospital with the prestigious Pathway to Excellence award, a designation achieved by only 253 hospitals worldwide at that time. Additionally, in the same year, their Intensive Care Unit earned a Silver Beacon of Excellence Award from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses signifying a commitment to excellence, rigorous standards and patient outcomes.

St. Francis Nursing has been recognized globally for its dedication to excellence and providing the highest standard of patient care, with a staff of more than 200 nurses. In 2025, the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) honored the hospital with the prestigious Magnet with Distinction award, a designation achieved by only 30 hospitals worldwide at that time. Additionally, in the same year, their Emergency Department received the Emergency Nurse Association (ENA) Lantern Award, recognizing it as one of only 96 emergency departments globally for excellence.