National Nurses Week begins each year on May 6 and ends on May 12, Florence Nightingale’s birthday, according to American Nurses Association (ANA). Positioned to be an established event, these permanent dates enhance planning for National Nurses Week. During the week, individuals, employers along with other healthcare professionals, community leaders, and nurses, recognize and applaud the extensive contributions of America’s 4 million registered nurses.
Since 1896 the nursing profession has been supported and promoted by the American Nurses Association (ANA). Each of the ANA’s association promotes the nursing profession at the state and regional levels. Each state and regional associations host celebrations on these dates to recognize the contributions that nurses make to the community.
The ANA continues to support and encourage recognition programs through various state and district nurses associations, other specialty nursing organizations, educational facilities, and independent healthcare companies and institutions in honor of National Nurses Week.
“Nursing and nursing science have contributed to tremendous improvements in health and quality of life and make a tremendous difference in the lives of patients and their loved ones. This is why we celebrate National Nurses Week.” - Dr. Ann K. Cashion, Acting Director, National Institute of Nursing Research