March 19

Certified Nurses Day

An appreciation day on March 19 honoring nurses who achieve and maintain national board certification in their specialty, promoting higher standards of patient care and lifelong learning.

Yearly Date

March 19

Observed in

United States

Introduction

Celebrate Certified Nurses Day on March 19 and show your appreciation for the hardworking nurses all around the world! This day was created to recognize and honor certified nurses who have dedicated their lives to helping others. It's a special day to thank these medical professionals for their compassion, skill, and commitment in providing quality healthcare.

Certified Nurses Day Timeline

1893

First American Nurse Certification

Nurse licensure was first introduced in America, setting the stage for specialized certifications for nurses.

1940

Advancement in Specialized Training

Specialized programs for nursing certifications started to grow, allowing nurses to sharpen their skills in specific areas of practice.

1970

Rise of Nurse Practitioners

Nurse practitioners gained recognition and required certification, emphasizing the importance of certification in the field.

1991

Creation of The ANCC

American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) was established to promote excellence in nursing and healthcare globally through credentialing programs.

2008

Inception of Certified Nurses Day

Certified Nurses Day was officially established on March 19, in honor of the birthday of Dr. Margretta 'Gretta' Madden Styles, a visionary nursing leader and scholar who advanced the nursing profession with credentialing standards.

How to Celebrate Certified Nurses Day

1 Thank a nurse

Take the time to thank any certified nurses you may know for their hard work and dedication to their profession. It could be as simple as a quick chat or sending a card.

2 Volunteer at a hospital

Offer to volunteer your time at a local hospital or nursing home. Your help may be in the form of running errands, visiting with patients, or providing emotional support.

3 Gift a care package

Put together a care package filled with snacks, small gifts, and words of encouragement for any certified nurses you know. It's sure to bring a smile to their face.

4 Donate to relevant organizations

Make a donation to an organization that supports certified nurses such as the American Nurses Association or a local nursing school.

5 Write encouraging messages

Send out encouraging messages on social media or create an online card full of inspiring messages and quotes dedicated to certified nurses everywhere.

Why Certified Nurses Day is Important

Certified nurses provide better care

By becoming certified, nurses demonstrate their commitment to providing the best possible care for their patients. Certified nurses are knowledgeable and experienced in their field, allowing them to make informed decisions about treatments and procedures that will benefit the patient.

Certified nurses have advanced skills

In addition to general nursing knowledge, certified nurses possess specialized skills and expertise that enable them to provide more comprehensive care. They keep up with changing technology and trends in healthcare, which allows them to identify and address potential problems before they become major issues.

Certified nurses create a culture of excellence

When individuals choose to pursue certification as a nurse, it elevates the level of patient care across the board. It creates a culture of excellence within any organization or facility where certified nurses practice, ensuring that everyone is held to high standards of quality and safety.