What is National Nurses Week?

National Nurses Week is an annual celebration that begins each year on May 6 and runs through May 12, Florence Nightingale’s birthday. Designated by the American Nurses Association (ANA) which celebrates their 130th anniversary, this special week honors over 4 million nurses in the United States for their invaluable patient advocacy and overall economic contribution.

What is the Purpose of National Nurses Week?

This week-long celebration honors nurses for their profound impact on patient care, while also raising awareness of the challenges they face and recognizing the skill, dedication and resilience they bring to the profession. In short, the purpose of National Nurses Week is to:

• Honor and recognize the vital role nurses play in patient care, health care systems and communities.
• Celebrate their dedication, compassion and expertise in caring for others.

Nursing has ranked as the Gallup Poll’s Most Honest and Ethical Profession for 25 consecutive years, with 75% of Americans in 2026 rating nurses as having “high” or “very high” ethical standards. This doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because of the compassion, kindness and excellent care nurses provide.

Being a Nurse in Senior Living

A nurse’s work can be demanding and challenging, but it’s also very rewarding. In a senior living community, their primary tool is compassionate care. The hardworking nurses that serve our American House communities make a difference to every resident who lives within our communities, every day. In addition to their dedicated service to the health of every resident, they maintain relationships and observe details in residents that make a big difference in their care. Additionally, they may perform any of the following and more:

• Administer medication and monitor the well-being of residents
• Complete clinical assessments
• Correspond with family members
• Designate nursing assignments and set work schedules
• Coordinate with external health care professionals

“This week offers a special opportunity to recognize nurses across the country, and I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our American House nurses for the extraordinary care they provide each and every day. Their commitment to nursing is reflected in the care, advocacy and respect that is shown to the many residents they serve.”

Sue Lingo, VP of Resident Care

The History of National Nurses Week

Nursing is a noble, selfless profession dating back to the mid-1800s with the work of British-born Florence Nightingale. She was a nurse as well as a social reformer and statistician who established St. Thomas’ Hospital and the Nightingale Training School for Nurses in 1860. Her experiences during the Crimean War were foundational in her views about sanitation, and her efforts in health care reform greatly influenced the quality of care in the 19th and 20th centuries and beyond. Today, she is considered the founder of modern nursing.

During National Nurses Week, May 6-12, take the opportunity to thank the nurses in your life!

Are you interested in becoming part of our story? A career in our senior living communities is life changing. With training and guidance, we help you find your place in the company and teach valuable skills that allow you to move up and become a leader.