Celebrating the work of nurses on National Nurses Day
ABC News' Danny New honors hardworking nurses across the country on National Nurses Day.
abcnews.comHere’s the latest on National Nurses Day (May 12) and related National Nurses Week coverage.
-
Recent press and actions (USA): Multiple nursing unions and associations have used National Nurses Day/Week to highlight patient safety and staffing concerns. For example, press releases describe nurse-led actions and pickets in several states to advocate for safe staffing and to oppose unit closures. These updates come from organizations like National Nurses United and California Nurses Association, noting coordinated high-profile actions around May Day and National Nurses Week.[1]
-
National Nurses Week themes and events (USA): The American Nurses Enterprise (ANA, ANCC, ANF) kicked off National Nurses Week with campaigns emphasizing "The Power of Nurses" and planned events including webinars, light-up campaigns on May 6 and policy-focused dialogues—reflecting ongoing efforts to raise public awareness and influence policy. ANA’s 2024 materials also highlighted the celebratory theme “Nurses Make the Difference” and practical ways for the public to show appreciation.[2][3]
-
Public-facing celebrations (various outlets): News outlets and healthcare organizations have produced coverage and tributes recognizing nurses’ contributions during National Nurses Week. Examples include ABC News features honoring nurses and other national broadcasts publicizing nurses’ essential roles during the week of May 6–12, 2026. Nursing schools and professional bodies also publish celebratory content and resources for nurses and the public to participate in the week.[4][5][8][9]
-
Notable shifts in focus: Beyond celebration, coverage emphasizes ongoing challenges such as staffing shortages, burnout, and patient safety concerns, with several organizations advocating for policy changes and better funding to support nursing staff. This dual emphasis on appreciation and advocacy is a consistent pattern in recent National Nurses Week reporting.[1][2]
If you’d like, I can pull a few specific headlines or summaries from major outlets (e.g., ABC News, ANA/NNU releases) and tailor them to your region or interests. I can also assemble a quick one-page briefing with key numbers, upcoming events, and how to participate.