Every year, National Nurses Week gives us the opportunity to honor nurses who dedicate their lives to patient care. Celebrated annually from May 6 through May 12, nurse week highlights the critical impact healthcare professionals have across all medical disciplines. In the specialized field of eating disorder treatment, nurses are essential to guiding individuals through the physically and emotionally challenging stages of recovery. During this special nurse week, we celebrate nurses across the country who work tirelessly to heal and restore lives.
During nurses appreciation week, we celebrate nurses who specialize in treating eating disorders such as Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder. These professionals manage complex medical needs, monitor vital signs during refeeding, and build therapeutic relationships that foster long-term healing. Their work requires a unique blend of medical knowledge and deep empathy, making them indispensable to the recovery journey. At Eating Disorder Solutions, we are proud to honor nurses on our team who show up every single day to make healing possible for our clients.
What Is National Nurses Week?
National Nurses Week is an annual observance established to recognize the contributions of nurses to healthcare and society. The American Nurses Association (ANA) formally designated May 6 as National Nurses Day in 1982, and the ANA later expanded the celebration to a full nurse week in 1990. The week concludes on May 12, which intentionally coincides with the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the foundational figure of modern nursing. Florence Nightingale’s legacy continues to inspire nurses across the country and around the world, and the ANA honors this legacy each year during National Nurses Week.
Throughout nurse week, healthcare organizations, hospitals, and communities celebrate national nurses through events, awards, and recognition programs. Many businesses also participate by offering a special discount or gift card to honor nurses for their service. The ANA encourages its state and territorial associations to conduct celebrations on these dates to recognize the contributions that nurses and nursing make to the community. This recognition is vital for a profession that frequently faces high stress, long hours, and significant emotional demands.
The History of National Nurses Week
The history of National Nurses Week stretches back to 1953, when Dorothy Sutherland of the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare proposed a “Nurse Day” to President Eisenhower. While that proclamation was never made, the idea persisted. In 1954, a National Nurse Week was observed from October 11–16 to mark the 100th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s mission to Crimea. It wasn’t until 1974 that the White House officially designated a nurse week, and in 1982, President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation establishing May 6 as National Recognition Day for Nurses — also known as National Nurses Day.
By 1990, the ANA Board of Directors expanded this to a full nurse week — May 6 through May 12 — cementing the permanent dates we celebrate today. The ANA also designated May 8 as National Student Nurses Day in 1997, honoring national student nurses entering the profession. International Nurses Day, observed on May 12 by the International Council of Nurses (ICN), aligns with the close of National Nurses Week in the United States. The ICN has celebrated International Nurse Day since 1965, reinforcing the global importance of nursing.
Nurses Week Discounts and Recognition
Each year during nurse week, many businesses and organizations offer a nurses week discount or free gift card to show appreciation for nurses. These freebies and discounts range from free meals at restaurants to retail discounts, spa services, and gift card promotions from major brands. The tradition of offering a discount to nurses during national nurses week has grown significantly, with hundreds of companies now participating as a way to celebrate nurses across the country.
While a gift card or discount is a thoughtful gesture, the most meaningful forms of nurse appreciation go beyond material recognition. Healthcare facilities that invest in nurse education, mental health support, and career development demonstrate a deeper commitment to honoring nurses. The ANA has long advocated for systemic recognition programs that celebrate nurses not just during nurse week, but throughout the entire year.
The Role of Nurses in Eating Disorder Recovery
Nurses who work in eating disorder treatment settings perform highly specialized clinical duties. They are often the first point of medical contact for individuals entering treatment, responsible for conducting comprehensive health assessments and developing initial care plans. Because eating disorders frequently co-occur with severe physical complications — such as electrolyte imbalances, cardiac issues, and severe malnutrition — these nurses must possess broad clinical expertise across multiple healthcare domains.
During the critical early stages of recovery, particularly for conditions like Anorexia Nervosa, nurses closely monitor vital signs and manage the medical risks associated with refeeding syndrome. Beyond their clinical tasks, they provide critical emotional support. Eating disorder nurses educate clients about the neurobiology of their conditions, helping to reduce shame and empower individuals to engage actively in their own recovery process. Research shows that nurses who care for people with severe eating disorders experience both significant professional stress and deep personal reward — underscoring why it is so important to celebrate nurses who choose this demanding specialty.
Types of Nursing Roles in Eating Disorder Treatment
The field of eating disorder medicine relies on several specialized nursing roles, each contributing uniquely to the continuum of care. The table below outlines the primary nursing positions within a comprehensive treatment facility and their core responsibilities.
| Nursing Role | Primary Responsibilities | Clinical Focus |
| Medical Monitoring Nurse | Monitors vital signs, oversees refeeding protocols, manages acute physical symptoms. | Safety and medical stabilization during initial admission. |
| Psychiatric Nurse | Assesses co-occurring mental health conditions, manages psychotropic medications. | Dual diagnosis treatment and mental health stabilization. |
| Residential Care Nurse | Provides 24/7 medical monitoring, coordinates with clinical therapists, educates clients. | Long-term health management and recovery education. |
| Nurse Practitioner (NP) | Conducts advanced assessments, prescribes medications, develops comprehensive treatment plans. | Advanced clinical oversight and medical management. |
Challenges and Resilience in Eating Disorder Nursing
Compassion Fatigue and Burnout
Caring for individuals with severe eating disorders can be emotionally taxing. Nurses frequently witness the profound physical and psychological devastation caused by these conditions. Over time, this exposure can lead to compassion fatigue — a state of emotional exhaustion that reduces a caregiver’s ability to empathize with patients. The high-stakes nature of the work, combined with the chronic nature of eating disorders, places these healthcare professionals at significant risk for burnout. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, healthcare workers across the country are experiencing elevated rates of burnout, with nurses in behavioral health settings particularly affected.
Why We Must Honor Nurses During Nurse Week
Because of these intense demands, National Nurses Week is more than a ceremonial observance — it is a crucial opportunity to honor nurses and validate the emotional labor inherent in their roles. Meaningful recognition from leadership, peers, and the community helps mitigate burnout, reinforces professional identity, and sustains the compassionate care necessary for effective treatment. When we celebrate nurses and honor nurses publicly, we also inspire the next generation of national student nurses to pursue careers in eating disorder medicine and behavioral healthcare.
Treatment at Eating Disorder Solutions
At Eating Disorder Solutions, our nursing staff is the backbone of our clinical program. From the moment a client arrives at our peaceful ranch facility in Weatherford, Texas, our nurses provide expert, compassionate healthcare that prioritizes safety and dignity. With 24/7 nursing care in a non-hospital, home-like setting, our team ensures that every individual receives comprehensive medical attention throughout their recovery journey, whether they are in Residential or Partial Hospitalization (PHP) care.
We recognize that overcoming an eating disorder requires a multidisciplinary approach. Our nursing team works seamlessly with therapists, counselors, and our Registered Dietitians to deliver comprehensive care. Our nurses also support evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) by monitoring client progress and communicating clinical observations to the treatment team. As we observe National Nurses Week this May 6 through May 12, we extend our deepest gratitude to the dedicated professionals who make recovery possible for our clients every single day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What day is nurses appreciation week?
National Nurses Week is celebrated annually from May 6 through May 12. The week begins with National Nurses Day on May 6 and concludes on May 12, which is the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. As of 1993, the ANA designated these as permanent annual dates to honor nurses across the country.
Why does Nurses Week start on May 6th?
Nurses Week starts on May 6th because the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the United States Congress formally designated this date as National Recognition Day for Nurses in 1982, following a proclamation signed by President Ronald Reagan. The celebration was later expanded to a full nurse week ending on May 12, Florence Nightingale’s birthday, to celebrate nurses and their contributions to healthcare.
Do you know the history of National Nurses Week?
The history of National Nurses Week dates back to 1953 when a proposal was sent to President Eisenhower to proclaim a Nurse Day. The first observance occurred in 1954 to mark the 100th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s work. It wasn’t until 1974 that the White House officially designated a week to honor nurses, and in 1990, the ANA established the permanent dates of May 6–12 to celebrate nurses across the country each year.
How do you show appreciation to nurses?
You can show nurse appreciation by writing a heartfelt thank-you note, verbally acknowledging their hard work, or participating in your facility’s recognition programs. Many businesses also show appreciation by offering a special discount or gift card during nurse week. During National Nurses Month in May, communities and healthcare organizations host events to celebrate nurses and recognize their contributions to patient care.
If you or a loved one is struggling with an eating disorder, call Eating Disorder Solutions today at (855) 245-0961 or visit eatingdisordersolutions.com to learn how our evidence-based treatment programs can help.
Resources
- American Nurses Association. (n.d.). The History of National Nurses Week. https://www.nursingworld.org/education-events/national-nurses-week/history/
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2022). Health Worker Burnout. https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/reports-and-publications/health-worker-burnout/index.html
- National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA). (n.d.). Treatment Basics. https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/
