National Nurses Week 2026: Showing Appreciation for Our Support Staff

Each year, schools and communities across the country take time to celebrate nurses and the compassionate work they do every day. At St. Agnes Academy, National Nurses Week 2026 offered a meaningful opportunity to recognize someone who plays an important role in the life of our campus: Sr. Mary Brenda, O.P. 

More than just a school nurse, Sr. Mary Brenda is a trusted presence within the St. Agnes community. Whether caring for students who are not feeling well, offering words of encouragement during stressful moments, or simply greeting students with kindness throughout the day, she brings compassion and calm to campus life. 

At St. Agnes, nursing is viewed as more than healthcare. Learn why it is a ministry of care rooted in faith, service, and community. 

For many students, a visit to the nurse’s office is about more than a physical need. Sometimes it is a moment to pause, reset, and feel supported during a busy school day.

Sr. Mary creates an environment where students feel cared for both physically and emotionally. Her presence reflects the Dominican values that guide St. Agnes and our school’s commitment to supporting the whole student. 

From helping students manage everyday illnesses to offering reassurance during stressful moments, she plays an important role in maintaining a healthy and supportive campus environment. 

As a Dominican sister, Sr. Mary’s role extends beyond healthcare. Her work is rooted in service and guided by faith, making her an important spiritual presence within the St. Agnes community.

 

At a Catholic school like St. Agnes, students benefit from relationships with adults who model compassion, empathy, and servant leadership. These everyday interactions help students better understand what it means to live out faith through action. 

Whether offering comfort to a student having a difficult day or helping someone return confidently to class, Sr. Mary reflects the caring spirit that defines the Academy. 

The impact of nursing is also reflected in the paths many St. Agnes students choose after graduation. Each year, our graduates pursue careers in healthcare, medicine, and nursing, inspired by a desire to care for and serve others.

Rooted in Dominican values, St. Agnes encourages students to lead lives of compassion, service, and purpose. For many alumnae, nursing becomes a meaningful way to live out those values in their daily work. Whether caring for patients in hospitals, clinics, schools, or communities, these graduates continue the mission of supporting others with empathy and dignity. 

The strong academic foundation at St. Agnes, combined with opportunities for leadership, service, and faith formation, helps prepare students for rigorous college programs and future careers in healthcare. Seeing students grow into future nurses also makes National Nurses Week especially meaningful within the St. Agnes community. 

At St. Agnes Academy, student wellness is approached with balance and intentional care. Alongside the school’s Wellness Center and counseling resources, the nurse’s office serves as another important layer of support for students throughout the year.

This holistic approach recognizes that wellness includes mind, body, and spirit. Students are encouraged to care for themselves while also learning the importance of caring for others.

- Learn more about student wellness and support services on our Student Support page. 

National Nurses Week serves as a reminder of the dedication nurses bring to their communities every day. Nurses often work quietly behind the scenes, yet their impact is felt in countless ways.

In schools, especially, nurses help create environments where students can learn, grow, and thrive safely. They support not only physical health, but also emotional well-being and peace of mind for students and families alike. 

At St. Agnes, this week was an opportunity to pause and express gratitude for the care, compassion, and consistency Sr. Mary brings to campus each day.

As National Nurses Week 2026 comes to a close, the St. Agnes community is grateful for the many ways Sr. Mary Brenda supports students, faculty, and families each day.

Her dedication reflects the mission of St. Agnes and the Dominican values that continue to guide the school community. Through her care, students are reminded that compassion, wellness, and faith are deeply connected.