National Nurses Day - May 6, 2025

History of National Nurses Day

National Nurses Day, which falls on May 6th annually, is a day dedicated to recognizing the crucial role that nurses play in our healthcare system around the world. This important day also commences National Nurses Week, which concludes on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, who is credited for establishing the foundations of contemporary nursing.

Though the importance of nurses in healthcare was long recognized, it wasn’t until the mid-20th century that steps were taken to officially acknowledge their contributions. Efforts to create a “Nurse Day” were initiated as early as 1953, and were continued in the 1970s, but both attempts did not succeed in their legislative pursuits.

The genesis of today’s National Nurses Day can be traced back when U.S. President Richard Nixon declared the week of May 6 as ‘National Hospital Week.’ Then, a major breakthrough occurred in 1982 when the U.S. Congress passed a joint resolution, and President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation, officially designating May 6 as “National Recognition Day for Nurses.”

A few years later, in 1990, the American Nurses Association made the celebration even bigger by declaring May 6-12 as “National Nurses Week.” From that time forward, National Nurses Day on May 6 has annually marked the beginning of this special week.

The celebration of this day and week provides an opportunity to honor and highlight the relentless efforts, dedication, and commitment demonstrated by nurses across the nation. It’s a time to appreciate the often unrecognized but indispensable role that nurses play in maintaining public health. For instance, their pivotal role in responding to health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic has brought global attention to their invaluable contribution.