The Power of Nurses – And How Northwest AHEC Can Empower You

Thank you, Nurses!
Nurses Week gives us the opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary impact nurses have on our lives and our communities. This year’s theme, “The Power of Nurses,” beautifully captures the resilience and dedication that nurses bring to healthcare every single day.

National Nurses Week takes place May 6–12, 2026, and it's a time to honor the vital contributions of nurses. Whether you're a nurse, healthcare professional, patient, or someone who simply recognizes the critical role nurses play in our lives and communities, this is the perfect time to show your gratitude.

Northwest AHEC Appreciation Giveaway 🎉

As a token of our appreciation, sign up for our Nursing Continuing Education email list and you’ll be entered to win a Northwest AHEC Swag Bag filled with goodies!
Want an extra entry? Find our Nurses Week post on social media and share it!
📅 Winner will be announced Friday, May 9th.

At Northwest AHEC, we are proud to join in celebrating Nurses Week by recognizing the nurses across our region who make a difference no matter where their work takes place. Whether providing direct patient care, educating the next generation of health professionals, supporting communities, or leading systems change, nurses are powerful forces for healing and hope.

Here at NW AHEC, Ellen Zimmerman, Stephanie Poindexter, and Alana Dodson serve our region not only as nurses, but also as educators, collaborators, and advocates for high-quality care. They strive to extend their work from the bedsides into classrooms, communities, and conversations that shape the future of health care.

During Nurses Week, we want to recognize all nurses across our region, wherever you serve. Your expertise and compassion strengthen our lives and the communities we call home. #ThePowerOfNurses is not only what you do, but who you are, and the lasting impact you make every day. Together, let’s honor the vital role nurses play in shaping a healthier world.

How Northwest AHEC Supports Nurses

The Northwest Area Health Education Center (Northwest AHEC) of Wake Forest University School of Medicine provides education and training to support a strong, skilled healthcare workforce—especially in rural and underserved communities across our 17-county region in Northwest North Carolina.

Whether you’re just exploring nursing as a career, actively practicing, or returning to the field, we’re here to support you at every step.

Here’s How We Empower Nurses:

• Continuing Professional Development – We offer high-quality programs—available in-person, via live webinars, or on-demand—for nurses seeking contact hour for license renewal. Many are low-cost or even free! Check out our course catalog for upcoming nursing activities
  
  
• Health Careers/Workforce Development – We provide programs for high school and college students interested in exploring nursing and other health careers. Read More
  
  
• NC AHEC RN Refresher Program - Assists registered nurses with lapsed or inactive licenses, as well as active RNs seeking to update their knowledge and skills, in returning to the nursing profession. Read More
  
  
• Northwest AHEC Consortium for Clinical Education and Practice (CCEP) - We bring together clinical and educational partners to collaborate and improve clinical education opportunities for Nursing and Allied Health programs. Read More

To all nurses—we see you, we support you, and we thank you.
Let us know how Northwest AHEC can continue to empower you in your journey.

A Special Thank You to Our Northwest AHEC Nursing Staff

HUGE shoutout and THANK YOU to our brilliant nurses on staff here at Northwest AHEC. Your dedication, expertise, and passion make a difference—not just in our department, but across the entire region. We are so grateful for the work you do to support and strengthen the nursing profession.

• Stephanie Poindexter, MSN, RN – Nurse Educator
• Ellen Zimmerman, MSN, RN, CHSE – Nurse Educator / RN Refresher Coordinator
• Alana Dodson, MBA, RN – Nurse Educator

Thank you for being leaders, mentors, and advocates. We appreciate you!