Brief History

National Certified Nurses Day was established to acknowledge the crucial role of certified nurses in the healthcare system. The date, March 19th, was chosen to honor the birthday of Margretta “Gretta” Madden Styles, a pioneer in nursing certification. Dr. Styles was a significant figure in advancing the nursing profession through her advocacy for certification and professional development. She served as president of the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the International Council of Nurses (ICN), and her work led to the creation of certification programs that set standards for nursing practice. The ANA and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) spearheaded the initiative to establish National Certified Nurses Day, recognizing the importance of certification in promoting quality patient care and professional growth. Since its inception, the day has been celebrated by healthcare organizations and nursing associations across the country.

How It's Celebrated

National Certified Nurses Day is celebrated with various activities to honor certified nurses. Healthcare organizations may hold recognition ceremonies, award presentations, and special events to celebrate their certified staff. Educational seminars and workshops are organized to promote the benefits of nursing certification. Social media campaigns and public acknowledgments highlight the achievements of certified nurses. Additionally, some institutions offer incentives and support for nurses seeking certification.

Certified Nurses

Interesting Facts

• Certified nurses have specialized credentials in areas such as pediatrics, oncology, and critical care.
• Certification improves patient outcomes by ensuring nurses have advanced expertise.
• The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offers over 20 different nursing certifications.
• Certification can lead to career advancement and higher salaries for nurses.
• Margretta “Gretta” Madden Styles, honored on this day, was a visionary leader in nursing education and certification.