National Nurses Day – National Nurses Week – International Nurses Day

In 1982 the American Nurses Association (ANA) board of directors formally acknowledged May 6th, 1982 as National Nurses Day. Later, in 1990, the ANA expanded the recognition of nurses to a week-long celebration called National Nurses Week which starts on May 6th and goes until May 12th. May 12th is recognized around the world as International Nurses Day. In 1974 the International Council of Nurses (ICN) declared that May 12th would be International Nurses Day.

Over the past several weeks many individuals around the world have been thanking healthcare workers for helping provide the care for those who need it most during this COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you for sacrificing your time and safety to help every single day, especially during this time. If you have not taken the time to thank a nurse or any of our essential workers please do! There are many ways to send your appreciation even during this time, here are some ways!

1. Write a letter or postcard.
2. Create a sign to display outside.
3. Donations

Can you think of more ways to send our appreciation for Nurses Week 2020 or Nurses Day? What are some things you have done? Let us know in the comments section below!

Why are nurse recognition days around May 12th? May 12th was Florence Nightingale’s birthday in 1820. Nightingale is known for giving nursing a reputable reputation after serving as a manager and trainer for nurses during the Crimean War. From there, a school was founded to train nurses called the Nightingale Training School. Nightingale published a booth called “Notes on Nursing” in 1859 that served as a cornerstone at the Nightingale School and other nursing schools.