Nurses Week

Nurses Week History

National Nurses Week is dedicated to honoring and appreciating the invaluable contributions of nurses in healthcare. This week-long event aims to highlight the nursing profession's dedication, compassion, and commitment to patient care, while also focusing on raising awareness about the profession's challenges, innovations, and achievements. The importance of celebrating the efforts of nurses cannot be overstated, especially considering the crucial role they play in providing high-quality patient care and promoting public health.

The origin of National Nurses Week can be traced back to the early 1950s, starting in the United States. The American Nurses Association (ANA) was instrumental in its establishment, and in 1974 the International Council of Nurses also advocated for the celebration globally. For Canadians, National Nurses Week holds crucial significance as it serves as an opportunity to express gratitude to the nurses who strive tirelessly to provide the best care possible to their patients. It also allows the Canadian public to learn more about the vital role that nurses play in the country's healthcare system.

In Canada, the National Nurses Week is celebrated with various events and activities organized by healthcare institutions, nursing associations, and educational institutions. Seminars, workshops, and award ceremonies are commonly conducted to honor exceptional nurses and provide them with opportunities for professional development. Nurses Week in Canada traditionally starts on May 7 and continues until May 13, ending on the International Nurses Day. The precise date serves as a nod to the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, a pioneer in nursing who laid the foundation for modern nursing practices.

Top facts about Nurses Week

• The theme for Nurses Week in 2024 was Changing Lives. Shaping Tomorrow.
  In 2023, the theme was Our Nurses. Our Future.
• There were about 459,000 regulated nurses in Canada in 2021 according to the Canadian Institute for Health Information.
• According to the Canadian Nurses Association, licensed practical nurses and registered practical nurses saw the greatest number of growth among nurse professions. In 2021 there were 130,000 licensed and registered practical nurses, 1.6% more nurses than the previous year.
• The nursing profession is predominantly female, with only around 8.1% of the total workforce being male.
• Nurse Practitioners in Canada can prescribe medications, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and perform procedures sometimes independently.

In the News and Trending for Nurses Week

Top things to do for Nurses Week

• Write a thank you note or prepare a thank you basket for your local nurses. Nurses have been working hard, especially during Covid-19, and they should be appreciated.
• View an infographic about the nursing profile in Canada.
• Watch Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's National Nursing Week message.