May 6 is National Nurses Day in the U.S.A. and begins National Nurses Week which lasts until May 12, the birthday of famed nurse Florence Nightingale. It recognizes the critical role nurses play in health care.

National Nurses Week was first observed in October 1954, but was not proclaimed as such by a president until 1974. National Nurses Day was first proposed in 1981, and the following year, Congress designated May 6 National Recognition Day for Nurses. Later, the event was expanded to the current week-long celebration.

More Information

National Nurses Day (Time and Date)
National Nurses Day (National Day Calendar)

See also

• May (month)