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Nurse Practitioner Week

Join us in celebrating Nurse Practitioner Week, honoring the dedication and extraordinary care provided by these health care heroes!

Sunday

8–14

November 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

Have an update or spot an error?

YEARLY DATENurse Practitioner Week (AANP, 2nd Sun Nov, 7-day)

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYCareers

SUBCATEGORYHealthcare

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Mark your calendars for a very special celebration! Nurse Practitioner Week, kicking off on November 10, is a time to honor the outstanding contributions of nurse practitioners to the health care profession. Trace the roots of this field back to 1965 when Dr. Loretta Ford and Dr. Henry Silver established the first nurse practitioner program in the United States. Today, during a time of global health challenges, we would be lost without the unyielding dedication and remarkable skills of these healthcare heroes. Let's unite in showing our grattitude and join in celebrating their invaluable role!

TIMELINE

Nurse Practitioner Week Timeline

First Nurse Practitioner Program

Dr. Loretta Ford and Dr. Henry Silver established the first Nurse Practitioner (NP) program at the University of Colorado.

American Academy of Nurse Practitioners

The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners is established to represent the interests of NPs across the nation.

Prescriptive Authority Gained

All 50 states in the US implement regulatory provisions for nurse practitioners to prescribe medications.

The Affordable Care Act

The role of NPs is further recognized in the US with the passage of the Affordable Care Act, which relies heavily on NPs to meet primary care needs.

COVID-19 Pandemic

Nurse practitioners are on the front line, providing critical healthcare during the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, underscored their essential role.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Nurse Practitioner Week

Write a gratitude letter

Everyone appreciates a thoughtful note. Write a letter to a nurse practitioner you know, expressing your appreciation for their service and dedication. Detail the reasons they make such a significant difference in individual lives and the community.

DONATE

Donate to a nursing scholarship

Consider making a donation in honor of a nurse practitioner you know to a scholarship fund for nursing students. This is a thoughtful and impactful way to support the future of the profession.

Share their stories

Highlight the work of a nurse practitioner on social media or a blog and share their stories with the wider community. This raise awareness and give deserved recognition.

HOST

Host an appreciation event

Organize an event where patients and colleagues can express their appreciation for nurse practitioners. This could be a modest breakfast at your healthcare facility or even a virtual event to comply with social distancing guidelines.

PROVIDE

Provide them with self-care items

Nurse practitioners work hard and deserve some relaxation. To celebrate Nurse Practitioner Week, consider gifting a self-care basket filled with items such as aroma therapy candles, a mini massager, a soothing soundtrack, or a voucher for a spa treatment.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Nurse Practitioner Week is Important

It promotes the profession

Nurse Practitioner Week also encourages others to join this rewarding profession. By sharing uplifting stories and celebrating the achievements of these professionals, others may get inspired to follow in their footsteps, thereby strengthening the future of the healthcare industry.

It spreads awareness

Nurse Practitioner Week helps raise awareness about the vital role nurse practitioners play in our healthcare system. It is a way for the general public to become more informed about their contributions and respect the level of care they provide.

It shows appreciation

This week serves as a wonderful opportunity for patients, colleagues, and community members to express their gratitude towards nurse practitioners. From writing thank-you notes to hosting appreciation events, this week makes it easy for everybody to show their appreciation towards these dedicated professionals.

Related holidays

National Nurses Week

It's time to honor and appreciate the hardworking heroes in scrubs during National Nurses Week - don't forget to thank a nurse!

National Nurses Day

Show your appreciation for nurses this National Nurses Day! Show your support with donations, cards, and kind words to recognize their hard work.

Perioperative Nurse Week

Honor the heroes in scrubs during Perioperative Nurse Week - celebrate, appreciate, and elevate the passionate dedication to patient care!

Certified Nurses Day

An appreciation day on March 19 honoring nurses who achieve and maintain national board certification in their specialty, promoting higher standards of patient care and lifelong learning.

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