National Nursing Week

National Nursing Week is the annual celebration of nurses in Canada. May 12th marks marks the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth on which is also celebrated around the world as International Nurses Day.

During National Nursing Week 2023, from May 8-14th, CASN is celebrating the critical roles that nurses, nurse educators, and nursing students play in Canada’s health care system. Representing the largest segment of the health care workforce, nurses are truly invaluable.

CASN has organized several events, initiatives, and resources that will allow you to join us in celebrating National Nursing Week 2023. We encourage everyone to share how they are celebrating with CASN on social media using the hashtag #NationalNursingWeek.

Join us in honouring and appreciating the Canadian nurses, nurse educators, and nursing students who maintain the high quality of nursing education and service that our country is known for around the world.

Special Message from CASN Executive Director, Cynthia Baker


About National Nursing Week [1]

The week draws attention to nurses, increasing the awareness of the public, policymakers, and governments to the many contributions of nursing to the well-being of Canadians.

In 1971, the International Council of Nurses designated May 12, the birthday of nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale, as International Nurses Day. In 1985, Canadian Nurses Association members passed a resolution to begin negotiations with the federal government to have the week containing May 12 proclaimed as National Nurses Week annually. Soon after, the federal minister of health proclaimed the second week of May as National Nurses Week. In 1993, the name was changed to National Nursing Week to emphasize the profession’s accomplishments as a discipline.

Events

  • May 12 , 2023 – International Nurses Day
    • In 1971, ICN designated May 12, the birthday of nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale, as International Nurses Day. In 1985, CNA members passed a resolution to begin negotiations with the federal government to have the week containing May 12 proclaimed as National Nurses Week annually.1

Initiatives

  • Thank you, Nurse EducatorsCommemorate the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth by coming together to discuss the influence she has had on nurses and nursing education.
  • Send a Thank You, Nurse Educators note. Every nurse has been inspired by an educator, preceptor, mentor, or role model throughout their professional journey, and we encourage you to tell them how much you appreciate their guidance and support.
  • Below you will find a Thank You, Nurse Educators card in English or French that you can print and send to a Nurse Educator during Nursing Week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Cards available in JPEG (English JPEG, French JPEG) or fillable PDFs (English PDF, French PDF)

  • On social media, we encourage you to use the hashtag #NationalNursingWeek when you share celebratory stories, photos, messages, and use the hashtag #ThankYouNurseEducators when sharing your Thank You Nurse Educators appreciation cards. 
  • Follow CASN on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more celebratory posts. 

Resources

  • Calling All Nurses – Betty Tate, Martha Russell, and RaeAnn Hartman – Podcast
    • As retired nurses, we are passionate in helping the public understand the scope, challenges, and rewards of contemporary nursing practice, using the lived experiences of front-line nurses. In Season 1 we interview individual nurses working in areas of social concern, such as: indigenous experiences, toxic drug poisoning, planetary health, homelessness/housing, mental health, and challenges in acute care.
      • Submitted by: Jan Meiers, RN MN, North Island College
  • Granddaughter becomes nurse to honour late grandmother’s memory
    • Taylor Cleveland (BSN’22) goes to work every day as a registered nurse hoping to make her late grandmother and University of Saskatchewan alumna Carol Cleveland (BSN’70) proud.
      • Submitted by Kylie Kelso, BCOMM, CDMP, University of Saskatchewan
  • Historical Florence Nightingale Medicine Chest Resides at University of Saskatchewan
    • The Florence Nightingale medicine chest is a historical artifact dating back to 1850’s. The medicine chest came to Canada in 1912 and was donated to the University of Saskatchewan (USask) around 1956. It currently resides with the USask College of Nursing in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
      • Submitted by Kylie Kelso, BCOMM, CDMP, University of Saskatchewan

Messages

  • USask College of Nursing Brings Nursing Week Greetings
    • This week the University of Saskatchewan (USask) College of Nursing recognizes the nursing profession and all the great nurses who make a difference each day.
      • Submitted by: Kylie Kelso, BCOMM, CDMP, University of Saskatchewan

Contact Us 

For general inquiries, please contact inquire@casn.ca. 


[1] Information in the “About National Nursing Week” section comes directly from the Canadian Nurses Association’s “National Nursing Week 2023” webpage: https://www.cna-aiic.ca/en/news-events/national-nursing-week. Retrieved March 1, 2023.

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