Celebrating the Power of Nurses to Transform Health
- t2diabetesnetwork
- May 12
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 10
May 12–18, 2025 marks National Nursing Week (NNW) in Canada. This week is a time to recognize and celebrate the enduring dedication, compassion, and leadership of nurses in our healthcare system. This year’s theme, “The Power of Nurses to Transform Health,” highlights the vital role nurses play in achieving better health outcomes for individuals and communities, both in Canada and worldwide.
This annual celebration is rooted in the legacy of Florence Nightingale. Her birthday, May 12, is celebrated as International Nurses Day around the globe. Each year, national and provincial nursing organizations coordinate various events and initiatives. These efforts amplify the contributions of nurses and nursing educators.
Why We Celebrate National Nursing Week in Canada
National Nursing Week is an observance that recognizes the profound contributions of nurses. Their impact reaches individuals, families, and communities across Canada.
This celebration began in 1971 when the International Council of Nurses established it. In 1985, the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) passed a resolution with the federal government. They designated the week containing May 12 as National Nurses Week. This was renamed National Nursing Week in 1993 to better reflect the scope and professionalism of nursing.
Nursing isn’t just a profession - it’s a driving force for better health outcomes and stronger care systems. - International Council of Nurses (ICN)
During Nursing Week, we honour nurses' dedication, compassion, and expertise. We also advocate for their professional needs. Each year, the chosen theme reflects the current priorities in nursing. It showcases their essential role in transforming health systems.
FilmmakerCarolyn Jones): “Nurses know more about who we are and what makes us tick than anybody else.”*
Carolyn Jones spent five years interviewing, photographing, and filming nurses across America. She traveled to places facing significant public health issues. Carolyn shares personal stories on TED, celebrating the everyday heroes who work on the front lines of health care.
What’s Happening in Canada for Nursing Week?
National Nursing Week 2025 is a time to celebrate the contributions of nurses across the country. This year’s theme, “The Power of Nurses to Transform Health,” is brought to life through numerous events. Leading nursing organizations across Canada are hosting various programs.
From virtual learning sessions and leadership panels to public engagement campaigns, nurses are recognized for their critical roles. Organizations like the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA), Nurses and Nurse Practitioners of BC (NNPBC), British Columbia Nurses Union (BCNU), and the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN) collaborate to offer diverse programming. This highlights innovation, equity, research, and collaboration across all nursing practices.
The CNA leads this year’s NNW theme and is offering a variety of virtual events:
May 12, 12:00 p.m. ET: The Role of Nurses in Indigenous Health Care.
May 13, 12:00 p.m. ET: The Power of Nurses to Transform Our Health, Our Future, and Our Planet.
May 15, 12:00 p.m. ET: The Power of Nurses to Transform Care with Artificial Intelligence.
May 16: CNA Fireside Chat With Nursing Leaders and a virtual King Charles III Coronation Medal Recognition Event.
The Nurses and Nurse Practitioners of British Columbia (NNPBC) are celebrating National Nursing Week 2025 with a Virtual Learning Series from May 12 to 16. Sessions showcase the innovation, leadership, and impact of nurses across the province. The week of interactive sessions reflects NNPBC’s commitment to health equity and system transformation.
Monday, May 12 | 12–1 p.m. PT: Lunch & Learn: Indigenous Nursing Services.
Tuesday, May 13 | 12–1 p.m. PT: Lunch & Learn: Nursing Initiatives for Primary Care.
Wednesday, May 14 | 12–1 p.m. PT: Fireside Chat: The Power of the Unified Nursing Voice.
Thursday, May 15 | 11 a.m.–12 p.m. PT: Lunch & Learn: NP Regional Leadership Team.
Friday, May 16 | 11 a.m.–12 p.m. PT: Fireside Chat: Engaging in Nursing Research and Quality Improvement.
📌 Click here to register for the sessions.
NNPBC recognizes the vital role of nurses across all designations—LPNs, RNs, RPNs, and NPs. They continue to advocate for a unified and inclusive nursing voice in B.C.'s evolving health system. Their activities also reflect respect for Indigenous Peoples and a commitment to anti-racism and social justice.
BCNU honours National Nursing Week 2025 with engaging initiatives:
Various member outreach events throughout the North East region.
A BCNU campaign vehicle will be on site. Check out the BCNU Events Calendar for local activities.
Province-wide radio tributes by BCNU President Adriane Gear.
Sponsorship for four members, including one Indigenous nurse, to attend the International Council of Nurses Congress in Helsinki.
A special webinar on May 14 at 12 p.m. PDT for National Nursing Student Day.
Regional events across BC, including community celebrations and workshops.
CASN spotlights the vital role of nursing education this week. Their theme, “The Powerful Impact of Nursing Education on Transforming Health Care,” includes programming such as:
May 10: University of Alberta Open House.
May 12: International Nurses Day with a CNA session on Nurses in Indigenous Health Care.
May 13: CNA webinar on Nurses Transforming Health.
May 14: National Nursing Student Day with a Virtual Vendor Showcase.
May 15: CNA webinar on Artificial Intelligence in Nursing Care.
May 16: CNA Fireside Chat with Nursing Leaders.
May 17–18: Weekend for reflection and celebration. Share your stories online.
Thank You Nurse Educators Cards: A downloadable card for expressing gratitude.
Encouraging schools to submit events, stories, or shoutouts for the CASN NNW page.
Join the Celebration
Whether you are a nurse, student, educator, administrator, or supporter, National Nursing Week 2025 is an opportunity to celebrate the difference nurses make every day. From bedside to boardroom and classroom to community, the power of nurses to transform health is clear.
📣 How are you celebrating NNW 2025? Share your stories and photos to honour and uplift the profession that carries us forward.
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