About National Nurses Month

National Nurses Month happens every year in May. Throughout the month, healthcare facilities across the United States make a special effort to recognize the contributions of their nursing staff.

The idea of a national nursing celebration dates back to 1953; the first event was National Nurse Week in 1954. In 1981, the American Nurses Association (ANA) designated May 6 as “National Recognition Day for Nurses.” President Ronald Reagan made it official with a proclamation the next year. Since then, the event has expanded into National Nurses Week (May 6-12) and National Nurses Month (May).

Each year, the ANA leads the charge in organizing Nurses Month celebrations. Officials choose a theme and set a focus for each week. The overarching theme in 2023 was “You Make a Difference”; the weeks were dedicated to self-care, recognition, professional development and community engagement.

Ways to celebrate Nurse Month

Nurses often need to be on the floor throughout their shift, which limits your opportunities to host events at work. As you’re planning Nurses Month celebrations, look for ways to express your appreciation while accommodating employees’ schedules.

1. Start a social sharing campaign

Few things warm a nurse’s heart more than hearing from the patients they’ve served. To encourage people in your community to express their gratitude, start a social media campaign. Invite former patients to share on social media the impact nurses have had on their lives. Include a special hashtag for your facility so it’s easier to find participants’ posts.

Not everyone will be comfortable sharing medical situations publicly, so it’s helpful to offer an anonymous submission option via email or a web form. Read those stories out loud during the shift report.

Patients aren’t the only ones who can share; ask other employers and company leaders to join in. You can even feature their contributions on the company’s social media page to kick off the campaign.

2. Host a Nurses Month lunch

A delicious free meal is the perfect way to brighten employees’ days. Hire a caterer to set up and replenish a hot buffet in the kitchen; a warm plate of food feels extra-comforting during a long shift. By keeping it warm throughout the day, you can accommodate staggered breaks and ensure that every nurse has the chance to eat.

To treat as many employees as possible, refresh the buffet for each shift. You might also consider hosting the lunch on several days so everyone can partake without staying late or coming in on a day off.

3. Hand out merch

Gifts are a natural way to celebrate nursing month—as long as you choose items that are truly useful or meaningful. Thoughtful gifts can remind nurses of your gratitude each time they see them. Adding the logo of your facility reinforces community spirit and identifies nurses as a valuable part of the team.

Some ideas for Nurses Month gifts include:

• Hoodie with the facility logo. Keep the logo small to suit a wide range of tastes. You might choose sweatshirts in your brand colors or go with a more neutral option, such as gray or black. Choose zip-up hoodies, and your nurses can toss them on over their scrubs on the way to and from work.

• Printed compression socks. Hand out compression socks printed with your company logo or colorful graphics. They’ll look attractive peeking out from scrubs, and they can help nurses stay fresh during long hours on their feet.

• Hand spa kit. Constant hand-washing and removing pills from blister packs takes a toll on nurses’ hands. A DIY spa kit helps soothe cracked skin and protect their fingers. Include an intense moisturizing lotion, hand masks and a handheld pill opener.

4. Plan a nurses station celebration

Nurses don’t always have time to attend a party during the work day. Instead, host an on-shift celebration at the nurses station—the central location makes it the perfect spot for a bit of public recognition.

Start by decorating the desk with balloons, flowers and colorful streamers. You’ll brighten the floor and make everyone smile. Include a Nurses Month sign to let patients and visitors know what you’re celebrating.

Step up the party vibe by setting out treats for nurses to enjoy during the day. Stick to small grab-and-go items, such as individually wrapped chocolates or bite-sized brownies. Keep them behind the nurses station so nurses can enjoy a quick sugar rush while they’re charting or making phone calls.

5. Prepare gift bags to go

When nurses have been on their feet for a 12-hour shift, they’re usually ready to head home and relax. Make the rest of their day better by handing them a gift bag on their way out the door.

Stuff the bag with small surprises for the rest of the day, such as:

• Gourmet crackers and cheese

• Bottle of wine or sparkling cider

• Gift card for a food-delivery service

• Scented candle

Gift bags are an easy way to make your nurses feel special, all while respecting their time and busy schedules. If possible, include a special handwritten note of appreciation from the nursing director or shift leader.

6. Reduce nurses’ stress levels

Nursing is a high-stakes profession that can take a personal toll. In fact, 70% of nurses report high levels of stress and burnout. During Nurses Month, make a conscious effort to help your staff de-stress—both in the present and long term.

Tackle stress in the workplace with tools such as:

• Self-assessments. Nurses don’t always recognize the early warning signs of burnout . Provide self-assessment tools to help team members gauge their current situation.

• Massages. Bring in a massage therapist to give quick neck and shoulder massages in the break room. During a busy shift, even 10 minutes can help release tension.

• Education. Make your nurses aware of the resources that are available to them. Let them know about the perks available in your facility’s benefits package, such as counseling sessions, discounted gym memberships or online educational materials.

7. Educate your community

Take time to boost your nurses’ public profile by educating the public about their contributions. Spend the month publishing blog posts, doing interviews with journalists and posting on social media.

Showcase the varied aspects of nursing work with historical anecdotes and profiles of individual nurses who have:

• Cared for vulnerable people in challenging situations

• Affected hospital and public policy

• Contributed to medical research

• Developed new treatment protocols

• Educated patients, families and community members

Advocating for your nursing staff can have far-reaching positive effects. It reminds other healthcare professionals of the valuable role nurses play, which can boost collaboration and collegiality at work. By educating the community, you can help increase appreciation and respect for nurses—especially among people who come in for treatment.

Nurses Month FAQs

What are some gift ideas for National Nurses Month?

When choosing gifts for National Nurses Month, look for items that your nurses can use on a daily basis. Affordable options include branded water bottles, insulated coffee mugs or badge reels. Before ordering, run tests to ensure that your final choice is sturdy and high-quality.

What is the difference between National Nurses Day and International Nurses Day?

National Nurses Day is a celebration of nurses that’s recognized in the United States on May 6. International Nurses Day was created by the International Council of Nurses (ICN) in 1974. It takes place on May 12 and honors nurses around the world.