healthcare

National Nurses Week

Goodwork Team

08 May 2025 — 2 min read

Celebrate National Nurses Week: May 6–12, 2025

National Nurses Week is an annual opportunity to honor the compassion, skill, and dedication nurses bring to healthcare every day. Whether you’re a nurse, know a nurse, or simply want to show your appreciation, this week is the perfect moment to say thank you.

📅 When Is National Nurses Week?

May 6: National Nurses Day (U.S.)
May 8: National Student Nurses Day
May 10: National School Nurse Day
May 12: International Nurses Day, commemorating Florence Nightingale's birthday

💡 The entire month of May is also recognized as National Nurses Month, with weekly themes celebrating:

Self-care
Recognition
Professional Development
Community Engagement

🎉 How You Can Celebrate Nurses

For Individuals:

Send a handwritten thank-you card or thoughtful email
Share a short video message expressing your appreciation
Gift a small token of gratitude—anything from snacks to personalized gifts

For Businesses:

Offer special discounts for nurses
Share appreciation posts on your social media or website

For Healthcare Administrators:

Host an awards ceremony or appreciation luncheon
Provide time and space for peer recognition
Give staff access to self-care workshops, gift boxes, or development resources

💡 Many brands also launch exclusive discounts during this week—check out healthcare worker discounts and nurse-specific deals for more.

📜 History of National Nurses Week

1953: Dorothy Sutherland of the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare proposed Nurse Day to President Eisenhower
1954: First National Nurses Week observed in October
1974: President Nixon issued a proclamation for National Nurse Week
1978: May 6 declared National Nurses Day in New Jersey
1982: President Reagan signed a proclamation establishing National Recognition Day for Nurses on May 6
1990: The American Nurses Association expanded the celebration to a full week, culminating on May 12

Nurses are the heartbeat of healthcare. This week, let's honor them in meaningful ways—through recognition, action, and celebration.

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