How to Celebrate Nurses Day 2025: Real Appreciation from the Whole Team

When Is Nurses Day 2025?

Nurses Day is celebrated every year on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, a pioneer of modern nursing.

But the celebration doesn’t stop there:

• Nurses Month: May 1–31
   
• National Nurses Week: May 6–12
   
• National Student Nurses Day: May 8
   
• National School Nurse Day: May 7 (Wednesday of Nurses Week)
   
• International Nurses Day: May 12

All of May is dedicated to appreciating the contribution of nurses — in every setting — and it’s a great opportunity to plan something thoughtful and lasting.

Why Do We Celebrate Nurses Day?

Nurses Day exists to acknowledge the tireless care nurses provide, not just during emergencies, but every single day. Whether it’s holding a hand through a tough diagnosis or explaining medical terms with patience and empathy, nurses are there through it all.

And yet, their work is often taken for granted.

Especially in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic, burnout among nurses has skyrocketed. Staff shortages, long hours, limited support, and emotional exhaustion have left many questioning their future in the profession.

That’s why recognition matters. In fact, studies show that employees who feel appreciated are more likely to stay, feel engaged, and continue going above and beyond.

A simple “thank you” matters — but a team-wide expression of gratitude? That’s unforgettable.

How to Celebrate Nurses Day in 2025 (and Make It Meaningful)

Let’s skip the generic ideas and focus on what really resonates — genuine, thoughtful appreciation.

Here are five ways to celebrate Nurses Day (or Nurses Week) with meaning — and how GroupTogether can help.

1. Send a Group Card That Hits Different

Instead of a solo thank-you note, invite your whole team, school, or community to share their messages of thanks in one beautiful, easy-to-share group card.

GroupTogether lets you gather messages, photos, GIFs and even money for a pooled gift card.

In minutes, you can set up a group card for a nurse or nursing team, send the link around, and make someone’s entire day. The final result is delivered digitally, or you can print it as a keepsake.

“I cried when I opened my card. Reading everyone’s messages reminded me why I chose this career. It was better than any gift I’ve ever received.” — Chloe, ICU nurse, Sydney

Pro tip: Schedule your card to land right on May 12 for that extra surprise factor.

2. Ask What They Actually Want

Not every nurse wants another branded tote or thermal mug (though some totally do!).

If you’re managing a team of nurses, ask them directly what they’d love most. Common answers include:

• Extra PTO or mental health days
   
• A group lunch or catered meal
   
• Wellness programs (massages, yoga, mindfulness)
   
• Professional development opportunities
   
• Public recognition from leadership

Whatever the answer, GroupTogether makes it easy to pool funds from a department or community so that your appreciation aligns with what they value most.

3. Celebrate All Month Long with the ANA Themes

The American Nurses Association (ANA) designates each week of May with a theme. It’s a great framework to structure a month of celebrations:

• Week 1: Self-Care
   Host chair massages, meditation sessions, or deliver self-care kits.
   
• Week 2: Recognition
   Send GroupTogether cards, organize a staff awards day, or post daily nurse spotlights.
   
• Week 3: Professional Development
   Fund a course, bring in a guest speaker, or gift books/podcasts on growth.
   
• Week 4: Community Engagement
   Get patients or the public involved. Invite community members to add messages to a card or share stories about a nurse who made a difference.

These themes are easy to adapt to any workplace — and help turn a single day of recognition into a month-long morale boost.

4. Make the Recognition Public (With Permission)

While many nurses are humble, that doesn’t mean they don’t love being celebrated.

Use your company’s social channels, newsletters, or even local media to spotlight nurse contributions. Ideas:

• Share photos of your GroupTogether card or gift
   
• Use a custom hashtag (e.g., #ThankYouNurses2025 or #[YourOrg]HeartsNurses)
   
• Post short videos or quotes from patients and staff

Tag nurses (if they’re comfortable) and help them feel seen far beyond the break room.

5. Invite the Whole Community to Join In

One of the best ways to show appreciation? Invite everyone who’s benefited from a nurse’s care to say thanks.

That could include:

• Patients
   
• Families
   
• Teachers and students
   
• Other care staff
   
• Administrative teams

With GroupTogether, it’s simple. Send a link to anyone who wants to contribute. No apps. No fuss. Just heartfelt messages, together.

Extra Touches for your Nurse's Day Celebration: Make It Memorable

If you’re planning something bigger, here are a few extras you can include in your Nurses Week celebration:

• Photo Wall or Tribute Video: Collect photos of your team or create a short appreciation reel.
   
• Memory Jar: Fill a jar with anonymous messages of praise and gratitude.
   
• Thank-You Banner: Print out your GroupTogether card messages and hang them up for all to see.
   
• Surprise Delivery: Have the digital card revealed in a team meeting, with snacks or music.
   

These small, meaningful gestures help make Nurses Day 2025 one to remember.

Quick FAQs About Nurses Day

When is Nurses Day 2025?
 May 12, 2025. It falls on a Monday this year.

Why do we celebrate Nurses Day?
 To recognize the essential, compassionate care nurses provide every day. It’s also celebrated to honor the birthday of Florence Nightingale.

How can I celebrate Nurses Day at work?
 Send a group card, pool funds for a gift, host a lunch, or simply offer words of appreciation. Use the ANA’s weekly themes for ideas.

What do nurses really want for Nurses Day?
 Recognition that’s personal and sincere. Many also value time off, growth opportunities, or something as simple as being seen and appreciated by their community.

Can I send a virtual group card to a nurse?
 Absolutely. GroupTogether makes it easy to create a group card filled with love, memories, and optional gifts, all online.

Final Thoughts: Make It Heartfelt. Make It Together.

Nurses don’t just deliver care. They deliver hope, comfort, and strength. And while a single thank-you is powerful, a shared chorus of appreciation is unforgettable.

This Nurses Day 2025, make it easy for your whole team or community to join in and say thank you…beautifully, personally, and together.

Meet the experts

Ali + Julie

Co-Founders, GroupTogether.

Life’s busy. That’s why we’re here to make it easy for you to collect money from a group. Less wasted time, less packaging waste, and spending a little less but giving a lot better!