National Emergency Nurse’s Day

National Emergency Nurses’ Day is a holiday observed annually on the second Wednesday in October. It’s a day that recognizes the dedicated ER nurses across the country who work tirelessly to help people recover from their injuries and save lives.

This holiday falls in the middle of Emergency Nurses Week — a week dedicated to ER nurses. These nurses are the ones who treat individuals who come into the emergency room with health conditions, injuries, accidents, and other events that place their health and lives at risk. It’s their dedication and professionalism that we should all appreciate on this day.

The History of National Emergency Nurses’ Day

This holiday was first created by the Emergency Nurses Association. Emergency Nurses Week came first, and then in 1989, National Emergency Nurses’ Day was added. It has been celebrated by ER nurses and all those who are thankful for the services they provide every year since.

Interesting Facts About Nurses

We have gathered some facts about nurses and placed them in a bulleted list below. Let’s review it and gain some insight into the world of nursing.

  • For the past 20 years, Americans have rated nursing as one of the most ethical and honest professions.
  • The first nursing school ever established was for male nurses and was founded in 250 BCE in India.
  • Florence Nightingale introduced many sanitation practices to the profession.
  • The first American to earn a nursing diploma was Linda Richards in 1873.
  • The first African American nurse was Mary Eliza Mahoney in the 19th century.

Observing National Emergency Nurses’ Day

Anyone wishing to observe this holiday can do so by giving ER nurses the love and support they deserve. This can be done by sending a thank-you note to someone who has provided care in the emergency room, or by giving them a shout-out on social media using the hashtag #EmergencyNursesDay.

When is it?
This year (2024)
October 9 Wednesday
Next year (2025)
October 8 Wednesday
Last year (2023)
October 11 Wednesday
Topic
Work & Occupation