When is National Nurses Day?
May 6th is National Nurses Day.
What is National Nurses Day?
Props to our nurses. They care for our grumpy, groggy selves with admirable consistency and dedication. National Nurses Day, also called RN Recognition Day, celebrates the men and women who provide medical support as nurses.
Today’s Americans live longer than past generations, but those extra years don’t come cheap. We’re sicker at the end of life because longer age allows more systems to start failing. That means we need more nurses for the increased demand.
That’s also a testament to the work of our nurses. From prescriptions to casting, these folks have a crucial place in our society. They get us back on our feet, and we owe them a day—nay, a week!—of gratitude for their commitment to our health.
National Nurses Day begins National Nurses Week, which ends on May 12th, the birthday of the English nurse Florence Nightingale. Her work during the Crimean War (1853-1856) established modern nursing as a profession. Medical communities began celebrating National Nurses Week in 1954 on the 100th anniversary of Nightingale’s work in Crimea.
Fun facts about National Nurses Day!
People trust nurses. In a 2016 Gallup Survey, 85% of participants said nurses have high standards for honesty and ethics.
A 2006 study of 146 nurses found that they walked 4-5 miles every day during their 12-hour shifts.
Licensed nurses can basically work anywhere in the world because nursing is a fairly universal practice.
The U.S. has about 3 million nurses, and that number is expected to keep growing.
International Nurses Day occurs on May 12th at the end of National Nurses Week.
How to celebrate National Nurses Day:
Send thank you notes and flowers to the nurses’ desk at your doctor’s office or local hospital. If you happen through a medical establishment, be sure to express your gratitude for the nursing staff.
What’s the hashtag for National Nurses Day?
Use #NationalNursesDay on social media to applaud our nation’s nurses.