Certified Nurses Day

Certified Nurses Day is an annual celebration observed on March 19 to honor the dedication, skills, and commitment of certified nurses who strive for excellence in patient care. This day highlights the importance of nursing certification in improving healthcare standards and recognizes the specialized expertise of certified nurses.

Quick Facts

When is it? March 19
Tagged as: Professionalism, Excellence, Recognition, Service
What’s the hashtag? #CertifiedNursesDay
When was it founded? 2008
Who founded it? American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and American Nurses Association (ANA)

History of Certified Nurses Day

Certified Nurses Day was established in 2008 to honor certified nurses and their contributions to healthcare. The date was chosen to coincide with the birthday of Dr. Margretta “Gretta” Madden Styles, a pioneer in nursing credentialing. Dr. Styles advocated for higher standards in nursing certification, emphasizing its role in validating expertise and improving patient outcomes. Her groundbreaking research laid the foundation for modern nursing certifications.

Timeline

1970s: Dr. Margretta Styles conducts studies on nursing credentialing, advocating for stricter certification standards.
1991: The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) is founded to oversee certification programs.
2008: Certified Nurses Day is officially established by ANCC and ANA.
2025: Certified Nurses Day continues to inspire recognition for certified nurses worldwide.

Certified Nurses Day Dates

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	March 19	Wednesday
2026	March 19	Thursday
2027	March 19	Friday
2028	March 19	Sunday
2029	March 19	Monday
2030	March 19	Tuesday

Observed: Certified Nurses Day

Certified Nurses Day is observed through various activities that celebrate the achievements of certified nurses. Hospitals and healthcare organizations often host luncheons, award ceremonies, or social media shout-outs to recognize these professionals. Many certified nurses take this day to reflect on their accomplishments and inspire colleagues to pursue certifications.

The day also serves as a reminder of the importance of continuous learning and professional development in nursing. Certified nurses are encouraged to share their experiences with peers, fostering a culture of excellence within healthcare settings.

Communities benefit from certified nurses’ dedication to patient safety, specialized care, and lifelong learning—making this celebration vital for recognizing their impact on society.

Fun Facts About Certified Nurses Day

Certified nurses have specialized knowledge in fields like pediatrics, oncology, and critical care.
The ANCC has awarded over 225,000 certifications globally.
Studies show hospitals with more certified nurses experience lower patient mortality rates.

Quiz

What year was Certified Nurses Day founded?
- (Answer: 2008)
Who is considered the pioneer of nursing certification?
- (Answer: Dr. Margretta “Gretta” Madden Styles)
What date is Certified Nurses Day celebrated annually?
- (Answer: March 19)
Which organization oversees nursing certifications in the U.S.?
- (Answer: American Nurses Credentialing Center)
What hashtag is used for Certified Nurses Day on social media?
- (Answer: #CertifiedNursesDay)

FAQs

What is Certified Nurses Day?
Certified Nurses Day celebrates nurses who earn and maintain certifications in their specialties.

Why is March 19 chosen for this day?
It marks the birthday of Dr. Margretta Madden Styles, a pioneer in nursing certification.

How can I celebrate Certified Nurses Day?
You can thank certified nurses personally, host events at healthcare facilities, or share appreciation posts on social media using #CertifiedNursesDay.

What are some benefits of nursing certification?
Certification improves patient outcomes, enhances professional growth, and boosts job satisfaction among nurses.

How many certified nurses are there globally?
There are over 225,000 certified nurses recognized by ANCC alone.

Importance of Certified Nurses Day

Certified Nurses Day plays a crucial role in recognizing the efforts of nurses who pursue advanced certifications. These professionals demonstrate exceptional commitment to patient safety and clinical excellence through specialized training.

The day inspires other healthcare workers to strive for certifications that validate their expertise while improving overall healthcare standards. It also serves as a platform to promote awareness about the value of certification among patients and communities.

By celebrating certified nurses, we acknowledge their contributions to fostering healthier societies and advancing medical practices globally.