National Nurses Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Nurses Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Nurses Day is observed on May 6th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Nurses Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as captivating facts you should know about National Nurses Day.

📅 What day is National Nurses Day 2024?

In 2024, National Nurses Day is on Saturday, May 6th. It is the 1st Saturday in May; in 2024, it is Monday. There are until the next observance. You also can see all the exciting details and facts about May 6, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Florence Nightingale, also known as “The Lady With the Lamp,” revolutionized nursing in the late 1800s. Alongside her colleagues, she significantly reduced the mortality rate from 42 percent to just 2 percent during the Crimean War by implementing strict hand-washing and hygiene practices. This marked the beginning of modern nursing as we recognize it today. Every year on May 6th, we celebrate National Nurses Day to recognize and appreciate the crucial role nurses play in our lives.

📜 National Nurses Day History

In 1953, Dorothy Sutherland suggested to President Eisenhower that a holiday called “Nurse Day” be established in October of the following year. Although the President did not take action, Representative Frances P. Bolton supported a bill that led to the recognition of the holiday. The next year, another bill was introduced in Congress to officially establish the holiday.

In 1974, President Nixon declared National Nurse Week to be observed in May. Over the next eight years, nursing groups like the American Nurses Association advocated for a “National Recognition Day for Nurses” on May 6. In 1982, President Ronald Reagan made this day official.

Today, there are over 3 million active nurses in the United States, making them the largest portion of the healthcare workforce. Despite misconceptions, nurses are more prone to back injuries than construction workers, as their profession requires them to be constantly active, walking an average of 5 kilometers per shift.

Nurses are not limited to hospitals; the majority of registered nurses (59%) work in other settings such as nursing homes or home visits. They play a vital role in communities worldwide, ensuring people’s well-being. National Nurses Day serves as a perfect opportunity to express gratitude for their essential work.

✅ National Nurses Day Facts

🔖 She trained America’s first nurse
Before going to study at Nightingale’s School of Nursing in London, Linda Richards attended Bellevue Training School.

🔖 She was named after her birthplace
Just like her older sister Parthenope, Nightingale’s parents chose to name her Florence after the Italian city where she was born.

🔖 She knew six languages
Florence was fluent in English, French, German, Italian, Latin, and Ancient Greek.

👍 Why Is National Nurses Day Important

Doctors may diagnose us, give medications, and perform procedures, but their professions would be impossible without nurses. Every day, nurses are on the front lines, giving shots, performing physical exams, nursing wounds, and, in many cases, caring for dying patients while the doctor is away. Nurses are there for us when we are at our most vulnerable.

Nurses probably know more about you than anybody else in your life. They know your weight (and keep it hidden!  ), have seen you naked, and have all of your vitals. But you may put your confidence in them. Polls show that more than 80% of Americans believe nurses have “high” or “very high” ethical standards.

You never have to be concerned about your health if you have a nurse in your family. Even when they’re not working, nurses are always available to provide medical advice, administer medication, and fix us up when something goes wrong—even if it’s in the middle of Thanksgiving dinner.

🙂 How To Observe National Nurses Day

⚡ Learn about the woman responsible for it all

⚡ Thank the nurses in your life
Many people view nursing as a job that often goes unnoticed or underappreciated. However, a small gesture like saying “thank you for all you do” can have a significant impact on a nurse’s day, as it shows that their hard work and dedication are valued. Considering the large number of registered nurses in the United States, it is highly likely that there is at least one nurse who would truly appreciate being recognized and thanked for their efforts.

⚡ Give the gift of caffeine
Florence Nightingale is a name we’ve all heard. But are you aware of what made her famous? In honor of National Nurses Day, learn more about this trailblazing lady who helped pave the path for contemporary nursing. Read an article on “The Lady with the Lamp” or, better yet, see a documentary about it. If you can repeat the Florence Nightingale Pledge afterwards, you get extra points!

📅 When is National Nurses Day?

Explore all 🔗 May holidays, including 🔗 Appreciation and other 🔗 Career holidays.

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