Nursing Assistants Day – Jun. 17, 2027

Nursing Assistants Day
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AppreciationHealth
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United States
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Every June 17
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Nursing Assistants Day recognizes the indispensable contributions of Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) every June 17. These dedicated professionals are the backbone of patient care, assisting with daily needs and ensuring comfort. Take time to acknowledge their compassion and hard work, support healthcare initiatives, and share your gratitude for their vital role.

Want to sponsor Nursing Assistants Day? Learn how

Expected Nursing Assistants Day Deals

As Nursing Assistants Day approaches, expect various organizations and businesses to offer appreciation programs rather than traditional deals. Many healthcare systems, such as HCA Healthcare and Kaiser Permanente, often host internal recognition events, award ceremonies, and provide gift cards or special meals for their CNAs. Retailers like Scrubs & Beyond and Uniform Advantage may feature special discounts on uniforms and medical supplies for healthcare professionals. Local restaurants, including chains like Chipotle or Starbucks, sometimes offer freebies or discounts for those with valid healthcare IDs. Additionally, professional organizations like the National Association of Health Care Assistants (NAHCA) may partner with brands to provide exclusive benefits or educational resources. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as June 17 approaches.

Platform Guide for Nursing Assistants Day

LinkedIn

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #NursingAssistantsDay. Share stories of impactful CNAs or highlight workplace recognition efforts.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #NursingAssistantsDay. Amplify messages of gratitude and share news about CNA advocacy or appreciation events.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NursingAssistantsDay. Post photos of appreciation events or share resources for aspiring nursing assistants.

Social Media Tips for Nursing Assistants Day

Individuals

If you know a nursing assistant, express your sincere gratitude with a thoughtful card, a small gift, or simply by acknowledging their hard work and dedication. A personal thank you goes a long way.

Creators

Produce short-form videos or blog posts highlighting a 'day in the life' of a CNA, showcasing their diverse responsibilities and the compassion they bring to patient care. Debunk common misconceptions.

Brands

Healthcare brands and local businesses can launch appreciation campaigns, offer exclusive discounts for CNAs, or sponsor events that provide much-needed respite and recognition for these essential workers.

Partners & Brands for Nursing Assistants Day

  1. American Red Cross

    Founded in 1881 by Clara Barton, the American Red Cross has a long history of training and deploying healthcare professionals, including those who laid the groundwork for modern nursing assistant roles during wartime.

  2. National Association of Health Care Assistants (NAHCA)

    Established in 1995, NAHCA is a leading professional organization dedicated to empowering and advocating for nursing assistants across the United States, providing resources, education, and recognition.

  3. HCA Healthcare

    One of the largest healthcare providers in the U.S., HCA Healthcare operates over 180 hospitals and 2,000 sites of care. They employ thousands of nursing assistants and often run internal recognition programs.

  4. Scrubs & Beyond

    A prominent retailer specializing in medical apparel and accessories, Scrubs & Beyond provides essential uniforms and gear for nursing assistants, often offering special promotions for healthcare professionals.

  5. CNA Financial Corporation

    While primarily an insurance company, CNA Financial Corporation's name is historically tied to 'Certified Nursing Assistant' through its origins. They provide insurance solutions to various professional sectors, including healthcare.

  6. Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing

    Founded in 1922, this prestigious nursing honor society promotes nursing scholarship, leadership, and service globally. While focused on RNs, their mission supports the entire nursing ecosystem, including assistants.

  7. Care.com

    An online platform connecting families with caregivers, Care.com frequently lists opportunities for nursing assistants and provides resources for both caregivers and those seeking care, highlighting the demand for these roles.

Nursing Assistants Day Hero

Clara Barton

Clarissa Harlowe Barton, born in 1821, was a pioneering American nurse who founded the American Red Cross. Her efforts during the Civil War and her advocacy for humanitarian aid established critical roles for caregivers and assistants, laying foundational principles for the organized support that nursing assistants provide today.

History of Nursing Assistants Day

Nurses have been around for hundreds of years, but professional nursing is a relatively new field. Florence Nightingale, a well-educated daughter, defied conventions by becoming a nurse. Nursing was not regarded as a respectable profession for well-bred ladies, and nursing was only permitted for sick family members or friends. Nightingale completely altered this perception. She believed that nursing was an ideal career for women, who at the time didn’t have many options.

During Britain’s Crimean War in 1854, newspapers reported that the treatment of Russian soldiers was treated much better than British soldiers. The government ordered Nightingale to take a group of nurses to the military hospital. With proper sanitation, ventilation, nourishing food, and medication, Nightingale was able to reduce death rates. She became known as the “lady with the lamp,” who made nightly rounds to comfort the sick and wounded.

Her efforts and her belief in people changed the nursing world’s entire dynamic. By the end of the 19th century, the entire Western world recognized the value of educated nurses. By the mid-1930s, the demand for patient care increased along with technological advancements. As a result, patients were treated in hospitals rather than at home. Hospitals were the largest employer of registered nurses by the mid-1950s.

Nursing Assistants Day timeline

1854
Nurses Are Deployed During Britain-Crimean War

Florence Nightingale, along with a group of nurses, reduces the mortality rate of British soldiers while also changing public perception of nursing.

1950s
Hospitals Become The Largest Employer of Nurses

Patients are transferred from their homes to hospitals for better care, increasing the demand for nurses.

1970s
Doctoral Program For Nurses Is Established

Nurses began to establish doctoral programs that focused on nursing knowledge and science.

20th Century
Nursing Is The Backbone Of Healthcare

Nurses learn to respond to an overwhelming number of patients with effective organization of patient care.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Nursing Assistants Day

Local healthcare facilities, clinics, and nursing homes can host appreciation luncheons, award ceremonies, or provide small gifts like coffee vouchers or personalized thank-you notes for their nursing assistants. Retail businesses can offer temporary discounts or special promotions for CNAs with valid ID, while restaurants might provide free meals or catering for healthcare teams. Consider partnering with a local professional organization like NAHCA to amplify your recognition efforts and ensure your gestures are meaningful and impactful for these dedicated professionals.

Nursing Assistants Day FAQs

When is Nursing Assistants Day?

In 2027, Nursing Assistants Day will be observed on Friday, June 17, providing an opportunity for communities and organizations to express gratitude for CNAs across the nation.

How many nursing assistants are there in the U.S.?

The demand for nursing assistants is expected to continue growing through 2027, with hundreds of thousands of new job openings each year. This highlights their critical and expanding presence in the healthcare workforce.

What is the average salary for a nursing assistant?

Looking to 2027, salary expectations for nursing assistants are anticipated to see modest increases, reflecting ongoing demand and the vital nature of their work in an evolving healthcare landscape.

What is the difference between a nursing assistant and a registered nurse?

While both roles are integral to patient care, the distinction lies in their training and responsibilities. CNAs typically complete a short certification program, focusing on direct patient support, whereas RNs earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, enabling them to perform more complex medical tasks and make independent clinical judgments.

Nursing Assistants Day Activities

  1. Gift them something

    It is the day to recognize all nurses' efforts, and nothing beats gifting them something to show your appreciation. Get them a meaningful gift to brighten their day.

  2. Post on social media

    Create a social media post and tag anyone you know in the nursing profession. Show them how much you value their efforts.

  3. Give a card

    Make or purchase a card for them. Give them a card, expressing your admiration and gratitude for all their hard work.

5 Interesting Facts About Nursing

  1. Nursing is the most honest profession

    According to the Gallup poll, nursing has been voted the most honest and ethical profession by U.S. adults for the past 18 years.

  2. Nurses can be doctors

    Nurses can get a Ph.D. or a doctorate in nursing practice.

  3. Nurses walk a lot

    Nurses walk about four to five miles in a 12-hour shift.

  4. Not all nurses work in hospitals

    About 60% of nurses work in hospitals, but others work in doctor’s offices, outpatient care centers, residential care communities, and even in nursing homes.

  5. Walt Whitman was a nurse

    During the Civil War, Walt Whitman worked as a volunteer nurse.

Why We Love Nursing Assistants Day

  1. It is the day for appreciation

    We celebrate this day to appreciate the work of nurses. They work hard every day to save people and make lives better. It’s only right for us to show our appreciation.

  2. It encourages people

    The appreciation of nurses fills them with new energy and encourages them to work with vigor. This day encourages nurses to continue doing their best work.

  3. It acknowledges the work

    Nursing Assistants Day acknowledges the hard work put in by the nurses. It tells them we are thankful for their service.

Nursing Assistants Day dates

Year Date Day
2027 June 17 Thursday
2028 June 17 Saturday
2029 June 17 Sunday
2030 June 17 Monday
2031 June 17 Tuesday