National Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses Day
September 8
About National Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses Day
National Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses Day takes place on 8 September 2026. It is a professional recognition day in the United States that honours the nurses who care for children, adolescents and young adults living with cancer and blood disorders. The day was established by the Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses (APHON) to thank these specialists for their skill, compassion and dedication.
What is National Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses Day?
National Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses Day is an annual observance set aside to celebrate paediatric haematology and oncology nurses and the role they play in the lives of seriously ill children and their families. These nurses work in hospitals, specialist cancer centres, outpatient clinics and the community, supporting young patients through diagnosis, treatment, recovery and, sometimes, palliative care. The day is organised by APHON, the leading professional body for nurses in this field, and falls each year on 8 September during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. It is a moment for colleagues, families, hospitals and the wider public to say thank you to a workforce that often goes unseen.
When is National Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses Day?
National Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses Day is held on Tuesday, 8 September 2026. The date is fixed and does not change from year to year, so the observance always falls on 8 September. Its placement is deliberate: September is recognised as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, which makes it a fitting time to spotlight the nurses at the heart of paediatric cancer and blood disorder care.
Why National Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses Day Matters
Childhood cancer remains one of the most challenging diagnoses a family can face. In the United States, the parents of more than 15,000 children aged 0 to 19 hear the words “your child has cancer” each year, and many thousands more children live with serious blood disorders such as sickle cell disease, haemophilia and thalassaemia. Survival has improved enormously over the decades, with the five-year survival rate for childhood cancers rising from around 63 per cent in the mid-1970s to roughly 87 per cent today. Behind those gains stand the nurses who administer chemotherapy, manage complex symptoms, coordinate care and sit with frightened children at three in the morning. Paediatric haematology and oncology nursing is emotionally and technically demanding work, and recognising it helps with retention, morale and the recruitment of the next generation of specialists. For families, the day is a chance to thank the people who became part of their lives during the hardest of times.
How to Get Involved in National Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses Day
There are many simple and meaningful ways to mark the day, whether you are a colleague, a patient, a family member or a member of the public.
- Thank a nurse directly – A handwritten note, a card or a few kind words can mean a great deal to a nurse who rarely hears how much their work is valued.
- Share appreciation on social media – Post a message of thanks using the hashtag #PedsHemOncDay and tag APHON to help the campaign reach a wider audience.
- Display the official posters – APHON provides downloadable posters and resources that wards and clinics can print and put up to mark the occasion.
- Organise a small celebration – Hospitals and units can recognise their teams with a shared breakfast, treats in the break room or a few words from leadership during a shift handover.
- Support nurse education – Donating to APHON helps fund the certification, training and continuing education that keep specialist nursing standards high.
- Encourage colleagues to join APHON – Membership connects paediatric haematology and oncology nurses with peers, resources and professional development opportunities.
- Tell their story – Families and former patients can share what a particular nurse meant to them, helping the public understand the depth of this work.
- Champion self-care – The day is also a reminder for nurses to look after their own wellbeing, given the emotional weight of the role.
History of National Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses Day
The Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses established National Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses Day in 2010. APHON itself has a longer history as the professional organisation dedicated to nurses caring for children and young people with cancer and blood disorders, setting standards for practice, education and certification across the speciality.
The choice of 8 September placed the recognition firmly within Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, aligning the celebration of nurses with the broader movement to raise awareness of childhood cancer. Since its creation, the day has grown into an annual fixture observed by hospitals, treatment centres and nursing teams, with many institutions issuing local proclamations and sharing tributes online.
Over the years the observance has helped raise the profile of a speciality that demands a rare combination of clinical expertise and emotional resilience. By giving the role its own dedicated day, APHON has made it easier for patients, families and employers to recognise the contribution these nurses make every single day of the year.
Noteworthy Facts About National Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses Day
- The day was founded by APHON in 2010 and is observed every year on 8 September.
- It falls during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, observed throughout September.
- The official hashtag for the day is #PedsHemOncDay.
- Paediatric haematology and oncology nurses care not only for cancer patients but also for children with blood disorders such as sickle cell disease and haemophilia.
- As of 2022, more than 521,000 childhood cancer survivors were living in the United States, many of whom were cared for by these specialist nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses Day?
It is an annual day, established by APHON, that honours nurses who care for children and young people with cancer and blood disorders. It recognises their clinical skill, compassion and dedication to patients and families.
When is National Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses Day in 2026?
It falls on Tuesday, 8 September 2026. The date is fixed and is observed on 8 September every year.
Who organises National Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses Day?
The day is organised by the Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses (APHON), the professional body representing nurses in this speciality, which established the observance in 2010.
Spread the Word
Help raise awareness by sharing National Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses Day with your friends, family, and followers. Use the hashtags #PedsHemOncDay and #PedsHemOncDay2026 on social media. The more people who know about National Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses Day, the bigger the impact for the nurses it celebrates.
Related Awareness Days
- Childhood Cancer Awareness Month – Observed throughout September, the broader campaign within which this nurses day sits.
- National Emergency Nurses Day – A recognition day honouring another vital group of specialist nurses.
- National Grateful Patient Day – A day for patients to thank the healthcare workers who cared for them.
Links
2026 Awareness Days Wall Planner
Every key awareness day at a glance. Perfect for offices, staff rooms, and team planning.
View Calendar →
