the History of Nurses Week

Nurses Week History




Dates: May 6-12

Birthday of Florence Nightingale: May 12

Florence Nightingale Pledge:

"I solemnly pledge myself before God and in the presence of this assembly, to pass my life in purity and to practice my profession faithfully. I will abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous, and will not take or knowingly administer any harmful drug. I will do all in my power to maintain and elevate the standard of my profession, and will hold in confidence all personal matters committed to my keeping and all family affairs coming to my knowledge in the practice of my calling. With loyalty will I endeavor to aid the physician in his work, and devote myself to the welfare of those committed to my care.



Although not enacted until 1974, the history of Nurses week begins in 1953 when Dorothy Sutherland of the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare sent a proposal to President Eisenhower. Her proposal was to proclaim "Nurses Day" to be celebrated in October of 1954. There was no proclamation rendered. However, in 1954 National Nurses Week was observed marking the 100th anniversary of Florence Nightingales's mission to Crimea.

In 1974, after the proclamation by the International Council of Nurses that May 12 would be "International Nurse Day," a week was designated as "National Nurse Week" and was so proclaimed by President Nixon.

In 1978, May 6 was declared as "Nurses Day" by New Jersey Governor Brendon Byrne. In 1981 a resolution was initiated by nurses in New Mexico to have May 6 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 6 to be "National Recognition Day for Nurses." This proposal was then signed by President Reagan, making May 6 the official "National Recognition Day for Nurses."

This day was expanded to a week (May 6-12) in 1990 by the ANA Board of Directors. The week begins on May 6 with the "National Recognition Day for Nurses" and with a week long celebration, ends on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, long considered to be the founder of present day nursing. These dates were made permanent in 1993 and in all subsequent years, "National Nurses Week" has been celebrated from May 6-12.

This week was created to honor the nurses that give care to millions of patients each day of the year. This year's celebration includes a recognition by the ANA to promote a national awareness of the shortage of nurses nationwide. CrashCards would like to join with the ANA in honoring you, the millions of nurses that serve with open hearts and "The True Spirit of Caring."