05/13/2026
UCI Health was proud to celebrate Nurses Week 2026. Co-workers across all UCI Health locations came out to recognize nurses for their hard work and dedication, while Nursing Excellence ceremonies were held at UCI Health — Irvine and UCI Health — Orange for those who went above and beyond.
On behalf of UCI Health, thank you to nurses everywhere.
Image descriptions:
1. A group of UCI Health nurses seated outdoors, some clapping and others taking photos with smartphones during the Nurse's Excellence ceremony at UCI Health - Irvine.
2. Representatives of UCI Health executive and nursing leadership poses in front of a backdrop with the UCI Health logo.
3. Two UCI Health nurses preparing shaved ice treats at a stall at the lawn at UCI Health - Orange.
4. Two UCI Health nurses stand by a popcorn machine under a blue canopy at a Nurses Week event at UCI Health - Orange.
5. A UCI Health Nurse's Honor Guard member, in cap and gown, standing near a display board under a canopy. The board is titled "Nurses Honoring Nurses" and features a group photo of nurses in historical attire, along with text and a QR code.
6. Two UCI Health nurses exchanging a bouquet and a trophy, standing in front of colorful star-shaped balloons on stage at the Nurse's Excellence ceremony in a conference room at UCI Health - Orange.
7. A person holding a glass award inscribed with "2026 Nursing Excellence Award honoring Sheela Patel, Ambulatory Nurse of the Year, UCI Health."
8. A group of UCI Health co-workers in medical scrubs and hairnets standing in line at a buffet table outdoors at UCI Health - Placentia Linda.
9. Banner featuring a healthcare theme with symbols like a stethoscope, ambulance, and medical cross. The text reads, "Thank You Nurses. We appreciate all that you do! Dedication and hard work! Happy National Nurses Week!
