National Nurses Week

National Nurses Week was first observed in October 1954, the 100th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s mission to Crimea. The English nurse became known as the founder of professional nursing, because of her pioneering work during the Crimean War (1853-1856).

Due to her habit of making rounds at night, Nightingale became known as “The Lady with the Lamp”. May 6 was introduced as the official date for the observance in 1982.

May 12, the final day of National Nurses Week, is the birthday of Florence Nightingale (1820-1910).