National Nurses Day

National Nurses Day History

National Nurses Day seeks to raise awareness about the contributions of nurses everywhere. This day aims to acknowledge and recognize their efforts. This day serves as the beginning of National Nurses Week, a week-long observance taking place from May 6th to May 12th. This day also serves to commemorate Florence Nightingale, a renowned nurse who was a pioneer in the world of nursing. Her contributions in the Crimean war and in establishing nursing schools led to the adoption of the Nightingale Pledge in the US. It is a statement of ethics and principles of the nursing profession.

National Nurses Day was established in 1965 by the International Council of Nurses. It was officially recognized in the United States in 1982 by US President Ronald Reagan. It is observed annually on May 6th.

Facts about National Nurses Day

• According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2024, the median salary for a registered nurse in the US was $86,070.
  According to IncredibleHealth.com, in 2022, the median pay for registered nurses was $77,600 in the United States.
• According to the American Nurses Association, in 2025, there are approximately 4 million registered nurses in the U.S.
  According to a Health Workforce Analysis published by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) in November 2022, federal authorities project a shortage of 78,610 full-time RNs in 2025 and a shortage of 63,720 full-time RNs in 2030.
• According to American Colleges of Nursing, in 2024, about 9.4% of Registered Nurses in the U.S. are men, which is an increase of 0.3% since 2017. The highest percentage of men work as nurse anesthetists, making up to 41% of this position.
• The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 12% job growth for registered nurses between 2018 and 2028.

In the News and Trending for National Nurses Day

Top things to do for National Nurses Day

• Show your local nurses and healthcare workers support and appreciation. They have been working tirelessly during the Coivd-19 pandemic. Get them a gift basket or write them a thank-you note.
• Explore case studies that highlight the dedication of nurses.
• Watch a touching Nurses Day 2023 video.
• Watch a movie or documentary that focuses on the nursing profession. Here are our suggestions:
  The American Nurse (2014)
  Nurses: If Florence Could See Us Now (2013)
  Wit (2001)