There are 2.9 million licensed registered nurses (RNs) in the United States with approximately 2.4 million of them are employed as RNs. In addition, the field of nursing includes 531,000 licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses, and 1.8 million nursing, psychiatric and home health aides. (Sources: American Nurses Association; U.S. Department of Labor)

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.

Special facts from Hallmark:

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.