Celebrating National Nurses Week
National Nurses Week is a special time each May when communities across the country come together to celebrate and honor nurses. This week-long event recognizes the important role nurses play across healthcare settings. From hospitals and clinics to community centers and addiction treatment programs, their impact is far-reaching. Nurses are often the first to offer hope and healing. They support patients and families during some of their most difficult moments. To truly appreciate why Nurses Week is so important, it’s helpful to first understand its origins and the impact nurses.
What is National Nurses Week?
National Nurses Week is an annual celebration that recognizes the contributions nurses. It highlights their impact on healthcare and the well-being of individuals and communities. It also serves as an opportunity to acknowledge the compassion, expertise and resilience that define the nursing profession.
While Nurses Week is widely recognized today, its origins are deeply rooted in the history of modern nursing and the lifelong efforts of one of healthcare’s most influential pioneers.
A Brief History
The idea of honoring nurses began with Florence Nightingale, who is the founder of modern nursing. She gained recognition for her her groundbreaking work in the Crimea war in 1854. Her dedication to improving healthcare standards laid the foundation for today’s nursing profession.
The movement to establish an official National Nurses Week in the United States gained momentum in the mid-20th century.
In 1982, President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation officially recognizing May 6 as National Recognition Day for Nurses. The American Nurses Association (ANA) later expanded the recognition to a full week of celebration in 1990.
Today, many people – both nationally and internationally – observe Nurses Week. It serves as a reminder of the vital role nurses play in delivering life-saving care.
When is Nurses Week?
Nurses Week is celebrated each year from May 6 to May 12. These dates were chosen to honor Nightingale’s birthday, which falls on May 12.
In addition to the full week of recognition, several specific days are also observed throughout National Nurses Week, each highlighting different areas of the nursing profession:
- May 6 – National Nurses Day: Also known as National RN Recognition Day, this marks the official start of Nurses Week in the United States.
- May 8 – National Student Nurses Day: A day to honor student nurses and the future of the profession.
- Wednesday of Nurses Week – National School Nurse Day: Recognizes school nurses for their critical role in supporting student health and well-being.
Together, these observances offer opportunities to recognize and celebrate nurses in all specialties and stages of their careers – from those just entering the field to experienced professionals making a difference in communities every day.
Nurses Week Theme
Every year, the ANA selects a theme for Nurses Week that captures the spirit, strength and evolving role of nurses in today’s healthcare system. But it’s more than just a slogan – the theme helps guide how we honor and amplify the contribution of nurses across a wide range of care settings.
National Nurses Week 2026
The ANA has announced that the 2026 theme for National Nurses Week is “The Power of Nurses” – a message that celebrates the strength, influence and resilience of nurses in all areas of care. Nurses are not only caregivers, but educators, leaders and advocates who help shape the future of healthcare.
In areas like addiction medicine and behavioral health, the theme takes on an even deeper meaning. Nurses in these settings play a critical role in supporting individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) through life-altering moments, serving as both a calming presence and a powerful force for advocacy, helping patients navigate recovery, trauma and stigma with empathy and skill.
To stay updated on future themes and access resources, visit the ANA’s official website or follow them on social media.
Why It Matters
National Nurses Week is more than a celebration – it’s a call to recognize the incredible impact nurses have in healthcare and to advocate for the support they need to continue their work. From addiction medicine to behavioral health and beyond, they are critical in helping individuals heal, recover and rebuild their lives.
However, this work is not without its challenges. A 2018 study found of more than 3.9 million U.S. registered nurses who left their jobs, 31.5% of them cited burnout as the main reason for their departure – with hospital settings and longer work hours increasing the risk. For those working in emotionally demanding areas like behavioral health and SUD treatment, the emotional toll can be even greater.
Recognizing the contributions of nurses during Nurses Week affirms their role in healthcare, highlighting the need for systemic change and reminds us that caring for them is important to caring for patients.
Thank You, Nurses
Whether working in hospitals, community clinics, schools or specialized fields like addiction recovery, nurses make a difference – often in powerful ways that change lives. During Nurses Week and every week, we say thank you. Thank you for the long hours, the difficult conversations, the advocacy and the steady presence during moments of crisis. We appreciate you helping patients feel seen, safe and supported – especially when they’re at their most vulnerable.
If you know a nurse, take a moment to recognize their impact. Even a simple “thank you” can go a long way in reminding them they’re valued.
If you’re a nurse looking to make a meaningful impact, join our dedicated team. At BHG, our nurses play a vital role in supporting patients on their recovery journey. Explore our career opportunities and discover how you can help restore lives and strengthen communities.
A Word from Julie Koenig, Chief Operating Officer and Fellow Nurse
Nursing opened doors I never imagined – from direct care to shaping the future of healthcare as a leader. What has never changed is the heart of the work:
THE PATIENT ALWAYS COMES FIRST.
Frequently Asked Questions About National Nurses Week
What is National Nurses Week?
Nurses Week is an annual celebration held each May to recognize the contributions of nurses and their impact on patient care and community health.
When is Nurses Week celebrated?
Nurses Week is observed each year from May 6 to May 12, ending on the birthday of Florence Nightingale.
Why is Nurses Week important?
Nurses Week highlights the essential role nurses play in healthcare. It also raises awareness about their impact on patient outcomes and community well-being.
What role do nurses play in addiction treatment and behavioral health?
Nurses play a critical role in addiction treatment by providing compassionate, evidence-based care. They support patients receiving medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), monitor progress and help reduce stigma around treatment.
How do nurses support patients with opioid use disorder (OUD)?
Nurses help manage withdrawal symptoms, provide education, administer medications like methadone or buprenorphine and offer ongoing support throughout recovery.
How can you celebrate Nurses Week?
You can celebrate by thanking a nurse, sharing appreciation messages, supporting healthcare organizations or learning more about the nursing profession.
