National Nurses Day

National Nurses Day, also known as simply Nurses Day or National RN Recognition Day, always occurs on May 6 in the United States. National Nurses Week begins each year on May 6th and ends on May 12th, the birth date of Florence Nightingale, a pioneering nurse. For jettsetters, International Nurses Day is always on May 12.

To make matters slightly more confusing, National School Nurse Day is celebrated on the Wednesday during National Nurse Week. This year, National School Nurse Day 2010 falls on May 12, 2010. According to the National Association of School Nurses website, National School Nurse Day has been set aside to recognize school nurses since 1972.

Popular Google searches for the holiday include nurses day, nursing day, nurse appreciation week, nurses day gifts, and "when is nurses day". With all the variations, it's easy to understand the confusion.

Typical Nurses Day gift ideas include flowers, gift certificates, lunch or dinner, and gift baskets. If your nursing staff has a sense of humor, you can always bring a few laughs into your recognition ceremony with funny awards.

	Baryshnikov Award Navigating the medical system takes great skill and prowess - especially in the public school sector. Celebrate a nurses' mastery of dancing around the issues with this fun award certificate. Download Free Printable Certificate
	Running with the Bulls Leadership Award Taking care of patients requires courage and boldness. Within every staff there is one fearless leader - a bold risk taker who isn't afraid to step out of the pack and take on new challenges. Celebrate their Fearless Leadership with this funny gag certificate. Download Free Printable Certificate
	Raisin Pay Appreciation Award Every nurse deserves a raise in pay - or maybe they just think they do. Show them you care without breaking the bank with this funny gag certificate of appreciation. Download free Certificate of Appreciation
	Download 101 Funny Awards Certificates! PDF download includes 101 Hilarious Printable Certificates + 6 Award Templates for making up your own Funny Nurses Awards! Download now and start using right away!