National Career Nurse Assistants’ Day is a holiday observed on the first day of National Nursing Assistants’ Week every year. National Nursing Assistants’ Week begins on a Thursday during the second full week of June. This week and holiday recognize all nursing assistants who work diligently to ensure their patients are healthy and well cared for.

Also known as nursing aides, these individuals work under the supervision of licensed practical or registered nurses and provide basic care and assistance to their patients. Their job is extremely important to the well-being of their patients, and that’s why this holiday celebrates them annually.

The History of National Career Nurse Assistants’ Day

This holiday was created by the National Network of Career Nursing Assistants in the late 1970s. It has been observed every year since. It’s a day to show support and appreciation for these nursing professionals who perform the hard, and sometimes unpleasant, work necessary to ensure that patients are happy, healthy, and well taken care of.

Some of the Duties of Nursing Assistants

Below are some of the tasks that nursing assistants perform. Although the following is not a comprehensive list of all their duties, it does provide insight into what nursing aides deal with on a daily basis.

• Bathe patients and ensure they are clean.
• Assist patients with dressing and using the toilet.
• Serve meals and help patients eat.
• Turn and reposition patients between beds and wheelchairs.
• Record patients’ vital signs.

Observing National Career Nurse Assistants’ Day

To observe this holiday, all you need to do is thank a CNA you know. It doesn’t matter if they work in home care, at a nursing home, or in a hospital. Just drop them a simple thank-you note or give them a fruit basket.

It’s also a good day to tell the hospital administration what a great job they are doing. While observing this holiday, be sure to use the hashtag #CareerNurseAssistantsDay to spread the word about this holiday and to give thanks to CNAs around the world.