National Nurses Week 2026
May 6 - May 12
About National Nurses Week 2026
National Nurses Week runs from 6 to 12 May each year across the United States, honouring the millions of registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and nursing professionals who form the backbone of the American healthcare system. The week begins on National Nurses Day and concludes on 12 May, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. In 2026, the American Nurses Association (ANA) celebrates with the theme “The Power of Nurses” — a fitting tribute during the organisation’s 130th anniversary year.
What is National Nurses Week?
National Nurses Week is an annual, week-long observance dedicated to recognising the contributions, sacrifices, and expertise of nurses throughout the United States. Organised by the American Nurses Association (ANA), it serves as a focal point for hospitals, clinics, nursing schools, and communities to express gratitude toward nursing professionals. The week encompasses several related observances, including National School Nurse Day on the opening day (6 May) and International Nurses Day on 12 May, which marks the global celebration of the profession.
When is National Nurses Week?
National Nurses Week takes place from Tuesday, 6 May to Tuesday, 12 May 2026. The dates are fixed every year — always 6 to 12 May — so they never shift. The week opens on National Nurses Day and closes on Florence Nightingale’s birthday, which is also observed worldwide as International Nurses Day.
| Year | Dates |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Tue 6 May – Mon 12 May |
| 2026 | Wed 6 May – Tue 12 May |
| 2027 | Thu 6 May – Wed 12 May |
| 2028 | Sat 6 May – Fri 12 May |
| 2029 | Sun 6 May – Sat 12 May |
Why National Nurses Week Matters
The United States relies on more than 4.3 million registered nurses — the single largest segment of the healthcare workforce, accounting for over 50% of all health professionals. Despite this, the profession faces mounting pressure. The national RN turnover rate sits at approximately 16.4%, and over 22% of newly hired nurses leave their positions within a year. The country is projected to be short roughly 264,000 RNs by 2026, a gap that widens further in specialist and rural settings. National Nurses Week provides a platform not only to thank nurses but to draw attention to the systemic challenges they face, from staffing shortages to burnout.
Beyond the numbers, nurses are often the primary point of contact for patients. They administer treatments, monitor conditions, advocate for patient safety, and provide emotional support during some of life’s most difficult moments. Recognising their work is not merely a gesture — it is a reminder of the critical infrastructure that nurses provide across every corner of healthcare.
How to Get Involved in National Nurses Week
Whether you work alongside nurses, rely on their care, or simply want to show appreciation, there are many meaningful ways to participate:
- Write a personal thank-you note — A handwritten message carries far more weight than a generic card. Mention a specific moment or quality you appreciate about a nurse you know. Many nurses say personal notes are the most valued recognition they receive.
- Organise a team appreciation lunch — Coordinate a catered meal for a nursing unit or clinic. Avoid the cliche pizza in the break room — opt for something nourishing that fuels a long shift, such as a proper meal with healthy options.
- Give practical, thoughtful gifts — Compression socks, quality hand lotion, reusable water bottles, and coffee gift cards consistently rank as nurses’ preferred gifts. Avoid empty-calorie snacks and generic branded items.
- Support the “Nurses Light Up the Sky” campaign — The ANA aims to illuminate 250 landmarks across the country in 2026. You can suggest a building in your area by emailing NursesWeek@ana.org, or simply share photos of illuminated landmarks on social media.
- Advocate for better working conditions — Use the week as an opportunity to contact your elected representatives about safe staffing ratios, nurse wellbeing programmes, and funding for nursing education. The ANA provides advocacy toolkits to help.
- Celebrate National School Nurse Day on 6 May — The opening day of Nurses Week also honours the school nurses who care for children every day. Parents can involve their children in writing thank-you cards or organising small gifts for their school nurse.
- Share stories on social media — Post about a nurse who has made a difference in your life using the hashtags #ThePowerOfNurses and #NursesWeek2026. Genuine stories reach further than generic posts and help elevate the profession’s visibility.
History of National Nurses Week
The idea of a dedicated week for nurses has roots stretching back over seven decades. The very first observance took place in 1954, marking the centennial of Florence Nightingale’s pioneering mission during the Crimean War. During that conflict, Nightingale and her team of nurses transformed the unsanitary conditions at a British field hospital in Scutari, reducing the death rate among wounded soldiers by two-thirds. Her legacy as the founder of modern nursing made her birthday — 12 May — the natural anchor for nursing celebrations worldwide.
Progress toward an official, permanent observance was slow. In 1974, President Richard Nixon proclaimed a National Nurse Week following a White House designation. However, it was not until 1982 that the U.S. Congress passed a joint resolution establishing 6 May as National Recognition Day for Nurses, which the ANA Board of Directors formally endorsed. The single day expanded into a full week in 1990, when the ANA declared 6–12 May 1991 as National Nurses Week. Three years later, in 1993, the ANA Board fixed the 6–12 May dates permanently for all future years.
Since then, each year has carried a specific theme chosen by the ANA. The 2026 theme, “The Power of Nurses,” holds particular significance as it coincides with the ANA’s 130th anniversary and the United States’ 250th anniversary. Meanwhile, the International Council of Nurses champions the complementary global theme “Empowered Nurses Save Lives” for International Nurses Day on 12 May. If you are interested in the global observance, we have a dedicated page for International Nurses Day.
Noteworthy Facts About National Nurses Week
- The United States has over 4.3 million registered nurses, making nursing the largest healthcare profession in the country.
- Florence Nightingale was born on 12 May 1820 in Florence, Italy — the city from which her parents took her name.
- Nursing schools turned away over 80,000 qualified applicants from baccalaureate and graduate programmes in 2024, largely due to faculty shortages.
- The ANA’s “Nurses Light Up the Sky” campaign illuminated 206 landmarks across the United States in 2025, with a target of 250 for 2026.
- Five of the 20 fastest-growing occupations in the United States are in the nursing profession, according to 2026 workforce data.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Nurses Week?
National Nurses Week is an annual observance from 6 to 12 May in the United States, organised by the American Nurses Association to recognise and celebrate the nursing profession. It encompasses National Nurses Day (6 May), National School Nurse Day (6 May), and concludes on International Nurses Day (12 May).
When is National Nurses Week in 2026?
National Nurses Week 2026 runs from Wednesday, 6 May to Tuesday, 12 May 2026. The dates are the same every year.
What is the 2026 National Nurses Week theme?
The 2026 theme is “The Power of Nurses,” chosen by the American Nurses Association. It celebrates the impact nurses have on healthcare, communities, and individual lives, and coincides with the ANA’s 130th anniversary.
Is National Nurses Week only in the United States?
Yes, National Nurses Week (6–12 May) is a US observance led by the ANA. However, International Nurses Day on 12 May is celebrated globally, and many countries hold their own nursing recognition events throughout the year.
Spread the Word
Help recognise the nurses who keep healthcare running. Share National Nurses Week with your friends, family, and colleagues using the hashtags #ThePowerOfNurses, #NursesWeek2026, and #NursesLightUpTheSky on social media. Tag a nurse who has made a difference in your life — your recognition matters more than you might think.
Related Awareness Days
- International Nurses Day — Celebrated globally on 12 May, the final day of National Nurses Week, marking Florence Nightingale’s birthday and the contributions of nurses worldwide.
- World Hand Hygiene Day — Observed on 5 May, just one day before Nurses Week begins, this WHO-led campaign highlights a practice central to nursing care and patient safety.
- National Grateful Patient Day — Held on 7 September, this day encourages patients to thank the healthcare professionals — including nurses — who cared for them.
Links
- Visit the American Nurses Association (ANA) website
- National Nurses Week 2026 — official ANA campaign page
- Explore more awareness days at AwarenessDays.com
Plan your next campaign
Use Awareness Planner to discover events, build content calendars, and stay ahead of key dates.
2026 Awareness Days Wall Planner
Every key awareness day at a glance. Perfect for offices, staff rooms, and team planning.
View Calendar →
