Nursing Assistants Day is celebrated every year on June 17. It honors the dedication of nurses whose work saves countless lives. Nursing assistants work alongside nurses to assist patients with their daily living needs and other healthcare tasks. Since 1977, certified nursing assistants get a national day of appreciation, which is followed by a full week of celebrations. Did you know that the Certified Nursing Assistant profession began during World War I when 8,000 nurses were deployed to serve under the Red Cross Program? Their efforts are still remembered and appreciated 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
Florence Nightingale, along with a group of nurses, reduces the mortality rate of British soldiers while also changing public perception of nursing.
Patients are transferred from their homes to hospitals for better care, increasing the demand for nurses.
Nurses began to establish doctoral programs that focused on nursing knowledge and science.
Nurses learn to respond to an overwhelming number of patients with effective organization of patient care.
Nursing Assistants Day FAQs
What are some things which nursing assistants do?
Nursing assistants help in grooming the patients, checking vital signs, feeding patients and checking their food and liquid intake.
What’s the best way to say “thank you” to nursing assistants?
Always be courteous and kind to nurses and tell them you are thankful for their services. You can even buy them a gift or card to show appreciation.
What is the most common assistant job?
Nursing and medical assistants are one of the most common assistant jobs.
Nursing Assistants Day Activities
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.
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.
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
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.
Nurses can be doctors
Nurses can get a Ph.D. or a doctorate in nursing practice.
Nurses walk a lot
Nurses walk about four to five miles in a 12-hour shift.
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.
Walt Whitman was a nurse
During the Civil War, Walt Whitman worked as a volunteer nurse.
Why We Love Nursing Assistants Day
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.
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | June 17 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | June 17 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | June 17 | Thursday |
| 2028 | June 17 | Saturday |
| 2029 | June 17 | Sunday |
Log In With Google