06/09/2026
June 11-17: National CNA Week
CNA Week, which takes place on the Thursday of the second full week of June, is a week full of celebrations honoring the hard work of assistant nurses. This year, it is held from June 11 to 17. Certified nursing assistants began working under the Red Cross program during World War I and have served alongside U.S. Army nurses. Hundreds of young women were trained to care for wounded soldiers in reserve, field, base, and civilian hospitals. Did you know that before 1987, nursing assistants were not required to have a formal education?
Nursing has existed throughout history, but it has evolved considerably in recent years. The term ‘nurse’ derives from the Latin word ‘nurtire,’ which means ‘to suckle.’ Nursing was originally referred to as ‘a wet nurse,’ but by the late 16th century, it had evolved to mean ‘a person who cares for the sick.’ The first known documents mentioning nursing as a profession were found to be written in approximately 300 A.D. The Roman Empire attempted to build a hospital in each town, increasing the demand for nurses.
Nursing became more popular in Europe during the Middle Ages because the Catholic Church pushed for medical care. The innovations of the time altered the foundation of modern nursing.
Because of changes in European rule between the 10th and 11th centuries, the nursing profession expanded. Hospitals were integrated into monasteries and other religious institutions, and nurses provided patients with a variety of medical care services.
With the closure of monasteries in the 17th century, nursing as a profession fell out of favor. This was revived in the 19th century after Florence Nightingale emphasized nursing as an ideal profession for females. After she, and a group of nurses, reduced the mortality rate during the British-Crimean war, Nightingale single-handedly changed the nursing profession.
Thank you for your compassion, care, and commitment.
