National CNA Day is a special celebration honoring Certified Nursing Assistants who provide essential healthcare services and dedicate their lives to caring for patients. This day marks the beginning of National Nursing Assistants Week, recognizing the crucial role CNAs play in healthcare settings nationwide.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: Thursday of the second full week in June
- Tagged as: National Career Nurse Assistants Day
- What’s the hashtag?: #CNADay #CNAAppreciation
- When was it founded?: 1977
- Who founded it?: The National Network of Career Nursing Assistants
History
The role of nursing assistants emerged during World War I when the American Red Cross established the Volunteer Nurses’ Aide Service. Young women were trained to support overwhelmed nurses caring for wounded soldiers. Initially, these assistants worked without formal certification. The profession evolved significantly after President Ronald Reagan signed the Omnibus Reconciliation Act in 1987, requiring all nursing assistants to obtain certification.
Timeline
- 1914: First nursing aides serve during WWI
- 1939: Volunteer Nurses’ Aide Service reinstated for WWII
- 1977: First National Nursing Assistants Week celebrated
- 1987: Mandatory certification requirement established
- Present: Over 1.3 million CNAs serving nationwide
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | June | 13 | Thursday |
| 2025 | June | 12 | Thursday |
| 2026 | June | 11 | Thursday |
Observed
CNAs are celebrated through recognition events, appreciation ceremonies, and special activities in healthcare facilities across the nation. Many organizations provide special recognition to their CNAs through awards, certificates, and celebration events.
Fun Facts About CNAs
- CNAs provide 85-90% of direct patient care in nursing homes
- Employment growth rate predicted at 22% through 2022
- Over 12,000 volunteers served as nursing aides during WWII
- 38% of CNAs work in nursing care facilities
- Only 4% work in government facilities
Quiz
- What does CNA stand for?
- When was the first CNA organization established?
- Who signed the Omnibus Reconciliation Act?
(Answers: Certified Nursing Assistant; 1914; President Ronald Reagan)
FAQs
- Can CNAs draw blood?
- What are the primary responsibilities of CNAs?
- Do CNAs need state certification?
- What settings do CNAs work in?
Related
- National Nurses Week
- Healthcare Workers Day
- International Nurses Day
- World Health Day
- Patient Care Technician Day