Happy 2026 National Nurses Week!
National Nurses Week begins each year on May 6 and ends on May 12, Florence Nightingale's birthday. These permanent dates enhance planning and position National Nurses Week as an established recognition event. As of 1998, May 8 was designated as National Student Nurses Day, to be celebrated annually. And as of 2003, National School
Nurse Day is celebrated on the Wednesday within National Nurses Week (May 6-12) each year.
The Power of Nurses
For 2026, the American Nurses Association (ANA) has selected the theme "The Power of Nurses"
to recognize the invaluable contributions of nurses worldwide and the real-life challenges they face every day. Whether you're a nurse, a health care professional, a patient, or simply someone who appreciates the critical role nurses play
in our lives and society, National Nurses Week is the perfect time to share the love and gratitude.
A Message on the Power of Nurses
from VNA President Dr. Kathy Baker, PhD, RN, NE-BC, FAAN
The Power of Nurses™ is this year’s theme for National Nurses Week. The power
of nurses can take many forms and this year we should acknowledge and celebrate them all.
We can certainly celebrate the positional power of nurses who have risen to roles with significant authority and influence. This includes nurses that head our professional organizations and nurses who lead our health care institutions. We can celebrate the power of nurses who have contributed to the science of nursing. This includes our nurse scientists with programs of research in academia and practice settings who are elevating the practice of nursing and the health of our patients and our teams. But the most important power of nurses I believe we should acknowledge and celebrate is the personal power of influence and choice that each nurse possesses and when used wisely – can change lives immeasurably. I am sure each of you can think of multiple examples that you have all witnessed and have had a powerful influence on your lives – I would like to share several of these powerful examples that have touched my life and my practice.
In 2023, the National Team Daisy Award was given to a team of nurses who helped transfer children hospitalized in war-torn Ukraine in need of chemotherapy to a pediatric oncology unit in the United States. Nurses in both the Ukraine and the U.S. used their power to engage their interdisciplinary teams to arrange ambulance transport to the Ukrainian boarder and then provide medical flights to a pediatric oncology unit in the states. What a difference this made for these children and their families!
Tad Worku is an Emergency Department (ED) Nurse Practitioner who works in Southern California. But his first career was in music. He was well on his way to a music career after college with a record deal in hand when he decided there was more he wanted to do with his life. So, he decided to become a nurse. Tad now uses his power not only working in the ED but singing and motivating other nurses all across the country with his music and his stories of caring he experiences in the ED. His song, Better Days, is a personal favorite.
One amazing story of a nurse using their power for good is the story of Jonathan Bartels. Jonathan created ”The Pause.” Jonathan is a nurse with a varied clinical background but implemented the practice of clinicians “pausing” after the death of patients to honor the lives lost and support the resiliency of those who cared for them. The Pause is now practiced worldwide. You can find more about Jonathan and the pause at the website, thepause.me.
While these are examples of nurses using their personal power and ultimately having a global impact, there are multiples stories of nurses that happen daily that use their personal power to make a huge difference in the lives of patients and family. And while they seem like a singular event - collectively they ease pain and suffering in this world; they restore our hope in humanity; and they make the world a kinder place to live. So, no better how big or small - celebrate the hope, kindness and health that we all feel when nurses use their power and take action for good.
Happy Nurses Week and thank you for all that you do!
COMING SOON: The following list of hyperlinks includes discounts and gifts specifically for healthcare workers during National Nurses Week.
If there is an ongoing promotion for nurses that is not listed, please email VNA Communications Manager Elle Buck at ebuck@virginianurses.com so that we can share this information with Virginia's nurses!
Check back each day to see if more discounts have been added!
Dr. Vivienne McDaniel Health Equity Scholarship
This scholarship honors Dr. Vivienne McDaniel, a visionary leader whose legacy continues to shape the nursing landscape through her commitment to diversity,
equity, and inclusion. As the inaugural Chair of the VNA & VNF DEI Council and a past Diversity Ambassador for VNF, Dr. McDaniel championed ethical, inclusive care and inspired countless nurses to do the same. Your
donation helps us continue that vital work, supporting nurses who are driving health equity forward across the commonwealth.
Leslie Herdegen Public Policy Scholarship
Established to
honor Leslie Herdegen Rohrer, a passionate advocate who spent two decades advancing causes that improved mental health, nursing practice, and community well-being across Virginia. This scholarship empowers nurses to
develop as public policy leaders, equipping them with the knowledge and influence to shape the future of healthcare legislation.
Nightingale Legacy Fund & Nurse Leadership Development
Leadership is the light that guides our profession. The Nightingale Legacy Fund supports the Nurse Leadership Academy and allows you to honor a nurse leader who has inspired you. Every contribution not only strengthens
leadership development but also sends a message of gratitude, and your honoree will be notified of your recognition.
Lauren Goodloe Nursing Scholarship
Created to honor Dr. Lauren Goodloe,
a beloved leader and educator whose career embodied excellence, education, and service. By contributing, you invest in the growth of emerging nurse leaders who will carry forward her spirit of strength and advocacy.
Mental Health, DEI, and More
From addressing mental health distress to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion, VNF is committed to building healthier communities. One in 14 Virginians
faces mental health challenges, often intertwined with social determinants of health. Your support helps nurses respond to these challenges with compassion, evidence-based care, and advocacy for systemic change.
As professional nurses, we also hold a shared responsibility to confront racism, injustice, and inequity. VNF's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council continues to tackle these challenges head-on, creating
spaces where every nurse and every patient feels seen and valued.
Contribute Today!
Support nurses and order a 'Nurses Change Lives' license plate today!
 The
Virginia Nurses Foundation’s license plate honoring and supporting the important work of nurses in our commonwealth makes the perfect holiday gift for the nurse in your life (or for yourself!). About 7,000 license plates
are currently on Virginia’s roads! Even more exciting, the $15 VNF receives from each plate fee supports our scholarships and nursing education initiatives. Plates are available on the DMV website at
$25 for regular plates or $35 for personalized plates.
Can my family and friends purchase a license plate if they are not a nurse?
YES! You do not need
to be a nurse to purchase the license plate.
order plates TODAY!
Upgrade Your Wardrobe with these Timeless Nods to Nursing
Enjoy 10% off all 2026 Nurses Week labeled items with promo code
NURSESMONTH2025, but act fast—this offer ends May 31!
 Elevate your style with our newly released apparel line, designed specifically for nurses. VNA’s Online Store
is the perfect one-stop-shop for newly licensed nurses, retired nurses, and loved ones of nurses to show their nursing pride.
Whether you’re shopping to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, business milestone or personal achievement, VNA is here to help provide you with the right gift for the right occasion!
Shop Online Today!
We encourage those who are participating in National Nurses Week activities to share them with us on our social media pages! You can also email materials to VNA's Communications Manager Elle Buck at ebuck@virginianurses.com.
The primary benefit of joining VNA is commitment to your profession. This sends a huge message to your employers and those around you that you are committed to developing yourself from a professional standpoint, a competency
standpoint, and are passionate about sharing these experiences with others.
There are three things that VNA hangs its hat on: networking, continuing education, and advocacy. VNA networking exposes members
to professionals at a local and state level that share similar interests and challenges within your specific area. VNA offers reduced price, and sometimes free, continuing education that helps nurses to continue to
expand their knowledge base in practice areas and beyond. There are more than 151,000 nurses in Virginia and VNA’s lobbyists represents them all at the state level, ensuring legislation that benefits nurses and the
profession is present.
It’s for all these reasons that we invite you to become a member of the Virginia Nurses Association and the American Nurses Association!
become a member TODAY!
Check out our Event Calendar to see what virtual and in-person Nurses Week events are happening in May!
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