May 6 - National Nurses Day

Happy National Nurses Day! 

On May 6, this day is observed annually. On this day, we raise awareness of all nurse contributions and commitments and acknowledge the vital role nurses play in society.  

  

This day is also the first day of National Nurses Week and is sometimes known as National RN Recognition Day.  

  

National Nurses Week begins May 6 and ends on May 12, which is the birthday of celebrated English social reformer, statistician Florence Nightingale (May 12, 1820 – August 13, 1910).  

Nightingale was also the founder of modern nursing. She became well-known while taking care of the wounded soldiers during the Crimean War. She was dubbed “The Lady with the Lamp” because of her habit of making rounds at night. 

HOW TO OBSERVE 

Recognize nurses everywhere. Celebrate their dedication and commitment to their patients and their profession. Tell someone about the excellent care you’ve received from a nurse.  

When you visit the doctor or have surgery, follow the instructions they give you, especially follow up care. Ask questions, so they know when you need more information. They can’t read your minds.  

Give nurses you know a shout out and thank them for their hard work, especially during these challenging times.  

Use #NationalNursesDay to share on social media.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FW15B-4lMrc 

HISTORY 

In 1953, an employee at the United States Department of Health named Dorothy Sutherland sent a letter to 34th U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower.  

This was in proposing a National Nurses Day. An official proclamation was not made. The following year people began celebrating National Nurses Week on their own. 

In 1974, 37th U.S. President Richard M. Nixon proclaimed a National Nurse Week. In 1981, nurses in New Mexico initiated a resolution to have May 6 declared National Recognition Day for Nurses.  

The American Nurses Association (ANA) Board of Directors took up the banner and promoted the proposal. 

In 1982, the United States Congress designated May 6 to be National Recognition Day for Nurses. For this, 40th U.S. President Ronald Reagan signed the proposal.  

The ANA Board of Directors later expanded the celebration in 1990 to a week-long celebration (May 6-12) known as National Nurses Week.  

Each year, the American Nurses Association chooses a theme to acknowledge the many services provided by nurses everywhere during National Nurses Week. Examples of past themes include: 

2000 - Nurses: Keeping the Care in Healthcare 
2002 – Nurses Care for America 
2003 – Nurses: Lifting Spirits, Touching Lives 
2006 – Nurses: Strength, Commitment, Compassion 
2015 – Ethical Practice. Quality Care. 
2018 – Nurses: Inspire, Innovate, Influence 
2019 – 4 Million Reasons to Celebrate 
2020 – Nurses: A Voice to Lead 

How can you observe or acknowledge a nurse today? 

#NationalNursesDay 

@AmericanNursesAssociation 

@congressdotgov 

@nichecinema