National Nurses’ Day

National Nurses Day in the United States is an annual observance that marks the start of National Nurses Week. It is an important occasion within the American health care system.

History of National Nurses Day

National Nurses Day is observed on May 6. This date is associated with Florence Nightingale, a British nurse and a founder of modern nursing.

A proposal to establish an official day honoring nurses was made in 1953, when Dorothy Sutherland, an employee of the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, wrote to the president requesting a national celebration. Although events were held, the observance was not formally established as an annual occasion at that time. Even so, many people continued to recognize May 6 as Nurses Day.

In 1974, the first official National Nurses Week was observed, helping to formalize and expand the recognition of nurses’ contributions.

How to Take Part in National Nurses Day

National Nurses Day is an opportunity to recognize nurses’ work and express appreciation in practical ways:

1. Write a sincere thank-you note to a nurse or nursing team.
2. Volunteer with a community health organization, if opportunities are available in your area.
3. Attend or help organize recognition events that highlight nursing contributions.
4. Share a respectful message of appreciation on social media.
5. Support a local fundraiser that benefits nurses or patient care programs.
6. Share a short poem or message of gratitude in honor of nurses’ service.

When Is National Nurses Day in 2026?

National Nurses Day is observed on May 6 each year.

Observations