National Nurses Day, also known as National RN Recognition Day, is always celebrated on May 6th and opens National Nurses Week.  National Nurses Week begins each year on May 6th and ends on May 12th, the birth date of Florence Nightingale.

National Nurses Week is one of the nation's largest health care events, recognizing the contributions and commitments nurses make and educating the public about the significant work they perform.

  The American Nurses Association supports and encourages National Nurses Week through state and district nurses associations, educational facilities, and independent health care companies and institutions. The week-long celebration is designed to accommodate the variety of schedules nurses are required to work.

In 1974, President Nixon proclaimed a "National Nurse Week."  In 1981, a resolution was initiated by nurses in New Mexico to have May 6th declared "National Recognition Day for Nurses."  This proposal was promoted by the ANA Board of Directors and in 1982, with a joint resolution, the United States Congress designated May 6th to be "National Recognition Day for Nurses."  The proposal was signed by President Reagan, making May 6 the official "National Recognition Day for Nurses."  It was later expanded by the American Nurses Association's Board of Directors in 1990 to a week-long celebration (May 6-12) known as "National Nurses Week."

Activities during National Nurses Day and also National Nurses Week typically include banquets and recognition dinners, state and city proclamations, continuing education seminars, and other community events.

  Nurses are typically honored with gifts, dinners, and flowers by friends and family members, coworkers such as doctors and administrators, and patients who want to show their appreciation.

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