Nurses Week 2025: History and FAQ
National Nurses Week 2025 is more than a celebration — it’s a heartfelt thank you to the people who keep our healthcare system running with compassion and strength. Each day of Nurses Week is treated like a holiday in its own right because those who give so much to others deserve to be celebrated all week long.
Want to learn more about how this meaningful tradition began, why it’s held in May, and how it has evolved over the years? In this article, we’ll explore the history behind this weeklong tribute and what it represents today.
What Is National Nurses Week?
Celebrated annually from May 6 to 12, Nurses Week is a nationally recognized celebration that shines a spotlight on the vital role nurses play in every facet of healthcare — whether they’re at the bedside, conducting research to improve patient care, addressing public health concerns, or educating future generations of nurses.
This annual observance begins on May 6, known as National Nurses Day. It ends on May 12, which is International Nurses Day and the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.
Throughout National Nurses Week, healthcare institutions, educational facilities, and local communities come together to host events, share stories, and show their appreciation for nurses. From thank-you cards and social media spotlights to formal awards and wellness gifts, the week overflows with recognition for nurses, no matter where they are in their professional journey.
When Is Nurses Week 2025 Celebrated?
National Nurses Week 2025 is a key part of the broader National Nurses Month, which celebrates the vital contributions of nurses. Throughout the week, there are several special observances. Here’s an outline:
- National Nurses Day — May 6
- National School Nurse Day — May 7 (celebrated the Wednesday of National Nurses Week)
- National Student Nurses Day — May 8
- International Nurses Day — May 12
Nurse Appreciation Week 2025 is filled with events across the country to honor the care, skill, and dedication nurses bring to their work. Here’s a glimpse of how nurses are celebrated nationwide:
- Webinars and lectures focusing on historical and ethical topics in nursing
- Concerts and shows to honor the nursing profession
- Buildings are illuminated across the country
- Challenges and giveaways promoting health within the nursing community and offering exciting prizes for nurses
- Award ceremonies recognizing outstanding nurses for various skills
- Community events offering free meals and gifts for nurses
- Virtual celebrations with online thank-you messages and tribute videos to engage nurses nationwide
- Nurses Week freebies offered by national and local businesses
Nurse Week: Origins of the Profession
Nursing is the largest healthcare profession in the U.S., with close to 4.7 million registered nurses (RNs) serving communities nationwide. Worldwide, the nursing workforce exceeds 29 million.
But how did the nursing profession start? While nursing as a form of care has existed for centuries, it only became a formal profession in the 19th century. Before that, caregiving was largely done informally by family, religious groups, or volunteers during wars or epidemics — and since it wasn’t seen as a formal field, there were no holidays to honor it.
The turning point came during the Crimean War (1853–1856), when Florence Nightingale, a British social reformer and statistician, dramatically transformed the perception of nursing. Sent to care for wounded soldiers, she introduced organized care practices, such as sanitation and infection control, which reduced mortality rates and proved that nursing could be a skilled, evidence-based profession.
Nurse Week History: How the Celebration Began
The idea of establishing a dedicated day to honor nurses took root in the early 20th century, but it wasn’t until the mid-1900s that the concept gained traction. Here’s a quick glimpse into how the idea of Nurse Appreciation Week became a reality:
1953
The first notable effort to establish a national day for nurses came in 1953, when Dorothy Sutherland of the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare proposed a Nurse Day to President Dwight D. Eisenhower. While the proclamation was not issued at that time, it sparked interest in formally recognizing nurses for their contributions to public health.
1954
The first celebration dedicated to recognizing nurses took place from October 11–16, 1954, marking the 100th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s mission to Crimea. Another bill was introduced the following year to make it official, but Congress took no action.
1972
The House of Representatives once again introduced a resolution asking the President to declare a National Registered Nurse Day, but it didn’t go through.
1974
In 1974, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) officially designated May 12 — Florence Nightingale’s birthday — as International Nurses Day. That same year, President Richard Nixon proclaimed a National Nurses Week in the U.S., further legitimizing the observance. However, the celebration initially took place in February.
1978
New Jersey Governor Brendan Byrne declared May 6 as Nurses Day. Edward Scanlan of Red Bank, NJ, helped keep the tradition going by getting the date listed in Chase’s Calendar of Annual Events and promoting it independently.
1981
Nurses in New Mexico, with support from Congressman Manuel Lujan, introduced a resolution to recognize May 6, 1982, as National Recognition Day for Nurses. The American Nurses Association (ANA) and several other nursing organizations rallied behind the effort.
1982
In 1982, the ANA, a long-standing advocate for nurses and their recognition, supported a joint resolution in Congress to declare May 6 as National Recognition Day for Nurses. Later that year, President Ronald Reagan signed the proclamation into law, officially marking May 6 as a day to honor nurses across the country.
1990
Recognizing that a single day was not enough, the ANA expanded the celebration in 1990, declaring May 6–12 as National Nurses Week. This decision gave space for a more comprehensive celebration, offering seven full days to recognize nurses in every role, specialty, and stage of their careers.
1993
By 1993, the appreciation week for nurses had become a permanent fixture on the national calendar, with the ANA formally designating it as an annual celebration to be held each year. Since then, it has continued to evolve into a large-scale celebration that includes various events and activities designed to honor nurses for their contributions to healthcare.
1996
The ANA introduced the idea of National RN Recognition Day to recognize the hard work of registered nurses. The ANA encouraged state and territorial nursing associations, along with other groups, to recognize the day as well.
1997
The ANA Board of Directors named May 8 National Student Nurses Day, following a request from the National Student Nurses Association.
Nurse Week Today: What Nurses Want
As we approach this year’s celebration, it’s important to remember that this week is not just about honoring the historical impact of famous nurses, but also about recognizing the ongoing contributions that nurses make to healthcare. It’s also an opportunity to think about how we can show more appreciation to nurses year-round, not just on special occasions.
Despite the love and trust nurses have earned from the public, many nurses don’t always feel that appreciation in their day-to-day lives. Recent trends in nursing show high levels of burnout, job dissatisfaction, and a lack of support, causing many nurses to leave the field. Adding to the problem, many nurses feel unsupported by their managers, with one survey showing that nearly half of hospital nurses believe their concerns aren’t being heard.
To truly support nurses, we need to shift the focus from merely recognizing their contributions to acknowledging that they are human beings with their own needs. Instead of celebrating their self-sacrifice for the greater good, we need to show that their health and well-being matter just as much. They shouldn’t have to suffer in silence to keep the system running.
Real change is the key — a better work environment, fairer pay, and manageable patient-to-nurse ratios would not only show nurses appreciation but also help them enjoy their work from day to day. Nurses deserve to be cared for, too.
Frequently Asked Questions: National Nurses Week
Is Nurses Week just for registered nurses?
Not at all. It’s a celebration of all nurses — including licensed practical nurses (LPNs), nurse practitioners (NPs), nursing students, school nurses, and more.
What is the theme for Nurses Week this year?
Every year the ANA announces a yearly theme that reflects current challenges or shines a light on vital areas of nursing. In 2025, the American Nurses Enterprise is celebrating The Power of Nurses, honoring not only the incredible impact nurses make every day, but also the tough realities they face while caring for others.
Who organizes events for Nurse Appreciation Week?
Events are typically planned by hospitals, healthcare systems, educational institutions, nursing associations (like the ANA), local businesses, and community organizations. Some events may also be hosted by government agencies or public health organizations, such as your state’s board of nursing.
How is Nurse Appreciation Week celebrated?
The holiday is celebrated through various events and activities hosted by healthcare facilities. From decorating break rooms and hosting catered lunches to massage therapy pop-ups, employers look for meaningful ways to say thank you to their nursing staff. Some organizations may even host giveaways and award ceremonies to honor outstanding team members.
The Nursing Job You Want Is Out There
Nurses Week may come once a year, but you deserve to feel appreciated every single day. At IntelyCare, we specialize in matching nurses with the best-fitting nursing jobs that align with your goals, lifestyle, and values — because your well-being matters just as much as the care you give.