Celebrate the Power of Nurses during National Nurses Week 2026

CHICAGO - The Tri-Council for Nursing, an alliance of five national nursing organizations focused on nursing education, regulation and practice, salutes the nation's 5.7 million licensed nurses during National Nurses Week, May 6-12. The Tri-Council joins healthcare organizations and communities across the U.S. in celebrating the dedication, expertise and leadership of nurses.

This year's theme, "The Power of Nurses," perfectly embodies the irreplaceable value of nurses in keeping the nation healthy and thriving. Throughout history, nurses have been the backbone of the healthcare system, advocating for patients and leading at the forefront of innovation. From the bedside to the battlefield, research labs to rural clinics, classrooms to boardrooms, nurses shape the future of healthcare by making a lasting impact on the lives of their patients, families and communities. Their presence brings comfort in times of distress, their knowledge ensures safety in critical moments and their clinical expertise fosters healing. Whether in times of crisis or in everyday care, nurses exemplify unwavering commitment and leadership on behalf of the patients they serve.

The Tri-Council celebrates the vital role nurses play in society and honors the invaluable contributions of nurses worldwide. We encourage everyone to express their thanks to nurses who work tirelessly to promote health and healing, not only during Nurses Week, but throughout the year, and in every moment of their interactions with those under their care.

Please visit the website of each respective organization to learn more about activities and events happening during Nurses Week.

The Tri-Council for Nursing is an alliance between the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the American Nurses Association, the American Organization for Nursing Leadership, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing and the National League for Nursing. While each organization has its own constituent membership and unique mission, they are united by common values and convene regularly to dialogue and build consensus, providing stewardship within the nursing profession. These five organizations represent nurses in practice, leadership, regulation and education. The Tri-Council's diverse interests encompass the nursing work environment, healthcare legislation and policy, quality of healthcare, nursing education, practice, regulation, research and leadership across all segments of the healthcare delivery system.

About the American Association of Colleges of Nursing
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) is the voice for academic nursing representing more than 875 member schools of nursing at public and private institutions nationwide. AACN works to establish quality standards for nursing education; assists schools in implementing those standards; influences the nursing profession to improve healthcare; and promotes public support for professional nursing education, research and practice. Learn more at aacnnursing.org.

About the American Nurses Association
As the oldest organization representing more than 5 million registered nurses, the American Nurses Association stands at the forefront of advancing nursing excellence. The association harnesses The Power of Nurses™ to champion the profession and drive transformation in healthcare. Through legislative and political advocacy, comprehensive educational services, and the profession's leading Code of Ethics and Scope and Standards, the association empowers nurses across every specialty and practice setting. The association is committed to ensuring healthy work environments, shaping pioneering policies, and cultivating partnerships that enhance both the nursing profession and the broader healthcare experience. Learn more at nursingworld.org/ana.

About the American Organization for Nursing Leadership
As the national professional organization of more than 12,500 nurse leaders, the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) is the voice of nursing leadership. AONL's membership encompasses nurse leaders working in hospitals, health systems, academia and other care settings across the care continuum. For more information, visit AONL.org.

About the National League for Nursing
Dedicated to excellence in nursing, the National League for Nursing (NLN) is the premier organization for nurse faculty and leaders in nursing education. The NLN offers professional development, networking opportunities, testing services, nursing research grants, and public policy initiatives to its nearly 45,000 individual and 1,000 institutional members, comprising nursing education programs across the spectrum of higher education and healthcare organizations. Learn more at NLN.org.

About the National Council of State Boards of Nursing
Empowering and supporting nursing regulators across the world in their mandate to protect the public, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) is an independent, not-for-profit organization. As a global leader in regulatory excellence, NCSBN champions regulatory solutions to borderless healthcare delivery, agile regulatory systems and nurses practicing to the full scope of their education, experience and expertise. A world leader in test development and administration, NCSBN's NCLEX Exams are internationally recognized as preeminent nursing examinations. NCSBN's membership is comprised of the nursing regulatory bodies (NRBs) in the 50 states, the District of Columbia and four U.S. territories. There are nine exam user members and 21 associate members that are either NRBs or empowered regulatory authorities from other countries or territories.