National Nurses Day
Always celebrated on May 6
| National Nurses Day opens National Nurses Week, May 6-12. National Nurses Week concludes on the birth date of Florence Nightingale. |
| There are 2.7 million licensed registered nurses (RNs) in the United States; approximately 2.2 million of them are employed as RNs. In addition, 700,000 licensed practical nurses (LPNs), 600,000 Home Health Aides, and 1.4 million nurses’ aides comprise the field of nursing. (Sources: American Nurses Association; U.S. Department of Labor) |
| Hallmark was the first greeting card company to create cards specifically for National Nurses Day in 1992. |
| Hallmark has offered cards that recognize graduation from nurses’ training since the 1950s. |
2008 Product Features
- Hallmark offers 26 Nurses Day cards, including cards especially for mother, daughter, sister, friend, and long-term caregiver.
- New this year, Hallmark introduces four Cards With Sound for this holiday. The cards play favorite songs by the original artists and audio clips from movies and TV shows with CD-like quality. Sound clips include “Some Kind of Wonderful” by Grand Funk Railroad and the theme song from Grey’s Anatomy.
- Because of the growing number of male nurses, Hallmark offers a Nurses Day card specifically for a male nurse. The company also ensures there are other cards within the line appropriate for sending to a male or female nurse.
- Designs and messages vary from heartfelt to humorous, but all acknowledge the talents of these busy professionals. A colophon on the back of each card is a tribute to nurses.
- For those who send more than one Nurses Day card (such as doctors, administrators, chronically ill patients with several nurses), Hallmark offers two value packs containing six Nurses Day cards for $3.99.
- A variety of gifts appropriate for the occasion, ranging from picture frames to coffee mugs are available at Hallmark Gold Crown® stores nationwide.
Holiday History
In 1953, an official with the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare proposed that then-President Eisenhower proclaim a “Nurses Day,” although Eisenhower did not sign it. Other attempts at establishing a day recognizing nurses were not successful; however, President Nixon proclaimed a National Nurse Week in 1974.
In 1982, a joint congressional resolution designated May 6 as National Recognition Day for Nurses. In 1991, the celebration was expanded to National Nurses Week (May 6-12) to accommodate the varied schedules of America's nurses.
In Stores
Available at Hallmark Gold Crown® stores nationwide and wherever Hallmark products are sold. Use the store locator on Hallmark.com to find the nearest Hallmark Gold Crown store.