National Certified Nurses Day is an annual celebration honoring nurses who have pursued advanced certifications in their specialized fields. This day recognizes the dedication, expertise, and commitment of certified nurses who contribute to improved patient outcomes through their advanced knowledge and skills.
Quick Facts
When is it: March 19th annually
Tagged as: National Certified Nurses Day
What’s the hashtag: #NationalCertifiedNursesDay
When was it founded: 2008
Who founded it: American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and American Nurses Association (ANA)
History
The day was established in honor of Dr. Margretta “Gretta” Madden Styles, a pioneering figure in nursing certification. Dr. Styles conducted the first comprehensive study of nurse credentialing in the 1970s and played a crucial role in developing certification standards for nurses worldwide. Her work with the International Council of Nurses (ICN) and contribution to establishing the ANCC has left a lasting impact on the nursing profession.
Timeline
- 50 A.D.: Phoebe becomes the first known nurse mentioned in historical records
- 1820: Birth of Florence Nightingale, founder of modern nursing
- 1902: Ellen Dougherty becomes world’s first registered nurse
- 1970s: Dr. Styles conducts first comprehensive nurse credentialing study
- 2008: First National Certified Nurses Day celebration
Dates for Next Year
Year | Month | 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 |
How It’s Observed
- Recognizing certified nurses in healthcare facilities
- Hosting appreciation events
- Encouraging nurses to pursue certifications
- Sharing success stories on social media
- Organizing educational seminars
Fun Facts About Certified Nurses
- There are over 200 nursing specialties and subspecialties
- Over 4.2 million Registered Nurses work in the United States
- Certification requires continuous education and re-certification
- Certified nurses can specialize in multiple areas
Quiz
- When is National Certified Nurses Day celebrated?
- Who was Dr. Margretta Styles?
- How many nursing specialties exist?
- What year was this day established?
Answers: 1) March 19 2) Pioneer in nurse credentialing 3) Over 200 4) 2008
FAQs
Q: What’s the difference between a Registered Nurse and a Certified Nurse?
A: While both complete a four-year bachelor’s degree, Certified Nurses undergo additional training and certifications in specific specialties.
Q: How many nurses are there in the United States?
A: Approximately 4.2 million Registered Nurses as of recent counts.
Related Celebrations
- National Nurses Week
- International Nurses Day
- Emergency Nurses Day
- Pediatric Nurses Day
- Critical Care Nurses Day