National Nursing Week begins May 6  and runs to May 12.

There’s a huge movement in America taking place but it’s not of the political kind. While both major political parties have been busy slugging it out on the campaign trail, a movement of another kind is quickly taking place and it is called Black Nurses Rock (BNR).  The Black Nurses Rock mission is to inspire and empower innovative leaders that serve, educate and support local communities nationwide.  It is a powerful forum for Black Nurses to share their stories, insights and opinions on making the nursing profession the best it can be.

BNR is the world’s largest online community designed to foster an environment of professional growth and development for black nurses. BNR’s private Facebook page has more than 150,000 active members and a web presence that garners more than 20,000 organic hits daily.

As the trusted voice for black nurses, BNR not only facilitates communication, but also acts as a catalyst of change, bringing light and life to critical issues pertinent to the black nursing profession and community. According to the 2014 World Health Organization’s World Health Statistics Report, there are more than 400,000 black RNs and LPNs in the US and more than 3 million black nurses worldwide. BNR aims to be the leading resource of information and support to the black nursing community domestically and internationally.

Dr. Romeatrius Nicole Moss, founder and CEO of Black Nurses Rock, is an award-winning philanthropist, community advocate and international speaker. Moss who has a B.S. in Nursing from Berea College, Berea, Kentucky; a M.S. in Nursing in Community Public Health Nursing Administration from the University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama; and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from the University of Alabama-Birmingham,

BNR is experiencing rapid, sustainable growth and has more than 1600 members and 60 Chapters throughout the nation.  BNR is the nation’s second national black nurse organization and represents more than 150,000 African-American nurses and students from the US, Canada, Eastern Caribbean, Africa, Japan and Germany.

BNR is socially engaged around the nation and around the globe.  In fact, BNR is building a library in Sierra Leone, Africa and has already amassed a collection of more than 1,000 books. The library is slated to open in late May.

“We are laser focused on supporting the professional needs of Black Nurses all across the nation,“ Moss said. “I’ve spent my entire adult life in the nursing profession and over the years, I began to see a need for a forum for Black Nurses to grow professionally and personally, and such a forum simply didn’t exist,” Moss said.  “After years of research and introspection, I put together a plan to create a national forum where Black Nurses could connect, mentor, motivate, inspire and grow together. As the plan came together I recognized that whatever I developed had to not only focus on professional development and issues directly related to the nursing profession, it had to be fun. Why? Because nursing is one of the most stressful professions in the world.  Dealing with everything from the common cold to the most serious life-threatening illnesses, injuries and even death can take a toll on almost anyone – especially nurses.  Nurses work long hours, deal with unimaginable problems and go home only to face the same thing the next day.  So I knew whatever I created had to also be fun, relaxing and personally rewarding for anyone who joined.”

Moss found the perfect balance of professional development and support mixed with fun and relaxation when she launched BNR in 2014.

“Our goal was to create an online and real-world community to share ideas and support all that nurses do,” Moss said. “And at the same time, provide members with a strong social bond built around special events, conferences and unique getaways where they can meet fellow nurses in a non-working environment to relax, recharge and then return to work refreshed and ready to manage the challenges of professional nursing,” she said.

BNR is hosting it’s first international convention on October 20-22 in Chattanooga, Tenn. and will bring nurses from virtually every sector of healthcare together to network, learn cutting-edge patient care techniques, and share case studies and success stories.

On the lighter side, BNR will be hosting two Caribbean Cruises for members to participate in a series of professional development seminars in a relaxing and fun environment.  BNR offers unique products and premiums on its website including: Kings of Nursing Male Nurse Calendars, a wide variety of Nurse-themed t-shirts and apparel, the Black Nurses Rock Magazine and professional resume services for nurses looking to advance their careers.