The History of National Nurses Week

National Nurses Week, celebrated annually May 6 through 12, was designated to recognize the contributions nurses make to communities. May 6 is National Nurses Day, and May 12 is the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.

The historical effort to establish national recognition for nurses was a collective one that extended over the course of 40 years.

― The Struggle

In 1953, Dorothy Sutherland of the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare proposed a Nurse Day to the White House, but the proclamation was never made.

In 1954, a week in October was designated as National Nurses Week to mark the 100-year anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s mission to help troops in the Crimean War. Two years later, a bill was proposed to make the week an annual celebration. But it remained inactive.

In 1972, a proposal was made for a National Registered Nurse Day; it was not proclaimed.

― The Persistent Fight

One month after the International Council of Nurses proclaimed May 12 as International Nurse Day in January 1974, the U.S. established its own National Nurses Week. Although a success, the push for nurse recognition didn’t stop there.

From 1978 to 1981, legislators and lobbying nurses established May 6 as a day of recognition for nurses. In 1981, the ANA lobbied to make the day a nationally recognized one. A year later, May 6 was designated as National Recognition Day for Nurses.

― The Final Push

In 1990, the ANA petitioned to extend National Recognition Day for Nurses to a week-long celebration. The petition was granted. After another petition in 1993, May 6 through 12 was designated permanently as National Nurses Week.

Today, nurses are celebrated throughout the entire month of May for National Nurses Month. With the help of the ANA and trailblazers of the past, nurses are now nationally recognized for their efforts.

Each year, National Nurses Week is celebrated to honor nurses present and past. This time is also used to highlight nurses’ personal and professional lives.

― Recognition

Feeling appreciated for what you do is a basic human desire. Celebrate Nurses Week by honoring and showing appreciation to nurses.

For nurses, show appreciation to your peers and managers by sending them thank you cards or emails. A simple “Thank you for being a good nurse” can go a long way. You can also recommend your peers for awards and honors within your facility or in the community.

For nurse supporters, let nurses know that you appreciate them. If you know any nurses personally, you can send them an appreciation text, phone call, online message, or gift.

Even something as simple as “liking” or sharing a social media post that supports nurses is helpful.