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Emergency Nurses Day
WedOct 8

Emergency Nurses Day – October 8, 2025

Emergency Nurses Day is celebrated on the second Wednesday of October every year, which falls on October 8 this year. Nursing as a profession requires a great deal of compassion and expertise, and nurses working in hospital emergency wards have to deal with numerous difficulties all through their working hours. A special focus is placed on Emergency Nurses Day, which is a part of a wider celebration of Emergency Nurses Week. Events are held around the world to express gratitude and show support for emergency nurses, who provide invaluable care and assistance to those in need.

History of Emergency Nurses Day

Emergency Nurses Day celebrations first started in 1989, and it has been observed ever since. It was established by the Emergency Nurses Association and is a part of Emergency Nurses Week. The day recognizes the extraordinary commitment and labor of emergency nursing professionals around the world.

By 2001, the Emergency Nurses Association began celebrating the entire week as Emergency Nurses Week. This allowed the association to highlight the contributions of emergency nursing professionals. Emergency rooms handle cases of allergic reactions, accidents, and matters requiring urgent medical care. Nurses work quickly to make sure a patient’s needs are assessed and that their care is prioritized. They begin with stabilizing the patient, and once that is done, they diagnose the problem and start working to nurse (no pun intended) the patient back to health. Needless to say, it is a traumatic job, having to deal with patients whose lives are on the line. Emergency nurses are patient, calm under pressure, compassionate, and have exceptional critical-thinking skills. They work as part of a team with other healthcare professionals, including nurses and physicians.

The Emergency Nurses Association was founded in 1970. It is the premier professional nursing association that is dedicated to leadership, innovation, research, education, and advocacy for the betterment of emergency nursing. The association now comprises more than 44,000 members spread across the globe. The Emergency Nurses Association stands for several important things, including patient safety, emergency healthcare public policy, and developing superior practice guidelines and standards.

Emergency Nurses Day timeline

19th Century
Modern Nursing

Modern nursing is established by Florence Nightingale.

1901
Nurses Registration Act

New Zealand becomes the first country to regulate nurses nationally.

1901
Army Nurse Corps

Nurses are appointed to treat the wounded in wars.

1950s
Hospitals Start Employing Nurses

Hospitals become the single largest employers of nurses.

Emergency Nurses Day FAQs

What exactly does a nurse do?

Nurses have many duties, including caring for patients, communicating with doctors, administering medicine, and checking vital signs. 

What's the Difference Between a Registered Nurse and a Licensed Practical Nurse?

Registered nurses (RN) provide direct care to patients, while licensed practical nurses (LPN) typically assist doctors or registered nurses. 

What does an emergency nurse do?

ER nurses treat patients who are suffering from trauma, injury, or severe medical conditions and require urgent treatment. Since these specialists work in crises, they must be able to quickly identify the best way to stabilize patients and minimize pain.

How can I become an emergency nurse?

Attain a Bachelor’s degree in nursing, pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLE-RN), and obtain state licensure.

How To Observe Emergency Nurses Day

  1. Say thank you

    If you know someone who is an emergency nurse, show them how much you appreciate their hard work and all of the effort that they put into saving lives. Send them a greeting card or a gift basket on Emergency Nurses Day.

  2. Raise funds

    You can observe Emergency Nurses Day by raising funds for your local hospitals and medical centers. 'Fun runs' and 'bake sales' are very popular fundraising techniques.

  3. Read some real-life stories

    You can also read some amazing tales of emergency nurses who have helped to save lives. Browse on social media or hear a nurse recount their stories.

5 Important Facts About Nursing

  1. Nursing was first taught in India

    The first known nursing school was established in India in 250 B.C.

  2. Florence Nightingale pioneered modern nursing

    Florence Nightingale introduced sanitation practices to nursing and designed the iconic nursing cap.

  3. It involves a lot of walking

    Nurses walk an average of four to five miles in a 12-hour shift.

  4. Many famous people have been nurses

    One of them is the famous poet Walt Whitman.

  5. 2020 was the Year of the Nurse

    The World Health Organization proclaimed 2020 the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife and it continues this 2021 because of the pandemic and the increased viability of nurses' contributions.

Why Emergency Nurses Day Is Important

  1. It's a day to express thanks

    Emergency Nurses Day expresses gratitude to all the emergency nurses who save lives every day. It offers the opportunity to specially celebrate these unsung heroes.

  2. A day to give back

    It’s impossible to repay an emergency nurse for her effort and contribution. Yet Emergency Nurses Day allows us to give back to these champions by letting us say thanks, host fundraisers, and share their stories.

  3. A day to learn more

    Take the day as an opportunity to read about how emergency nurses go about their day and do the work they do. The celebration nudges us to better appreciate their dedication

Emergency Nurses Day dates

Year Date Day
2022 October 12 Wednesday
2023 October 11 Wednesday
2024 October 9 Wednesday
2025 October 8 Wednesday
2026 October 14 Wednesday