National Nurse Practitioner Week

National Nurse Practitioner Week recognizes nurse practitioners and the care they provide across the United States. It’s held annually in November. The week offers a chance to learn about the profession, thank nurse practitioners, and raise awareness of their contributions to health care.

How the week started

According to the New York State Department of Health, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) established National Nurse Practitioner Week in 1994. It was created to honor nurse practitioners’ dedication, expertise, and contributions across the nation.

November 8 marks the birthday of Loretta C. Ford, an educator who helped establish the nurse practitioner role alongside physician Henry Silver. In 1965, Ford and Silver launched a pediatric nurse practitioner program at the University of Colorado. That early program helped shape a path for nurses to take on expanded clinical responsibilities and provide primary care.

What nurse practitioners do

Nurse practitioners provide primary, acute, and specialty health care to patients of all ages and backgrounds. Their work can include assessing patients, diagnosing and treating health conditions, ordering and interpreting tests, and prescribing medications, subject to the laws and regulations where they practice. They may also provide health education and follow-up care.

Nurse practitioners care for people at different stages of life, from children to older adults. They may work in clinics, hospitals, schools, community health centers, and other settings. The details of their role vary by specialty and location, but patient care and communication are central to the profession.

The title “nurse practitioner” is sometimes shortened to NP. Their training builds on nursing experience and includes graduate-level study. Many NPs focus on a particular patient group or field, such as family care, pediatrics, women’s health, or mental health. This range lets them serve patients with different needs in a variety of care settings.

Ways to recognize National Nurse Practitioner Week

You don’t need to work in health care to take part. Small, thoughtful actions can help make the week meaningful:

• Thank an NP who has cared for you or someone in your family. A brief note or kind message can show that their time and attention matter.
• Learn about the nurse practitioner’s role. The AANP and other professional organizations offer information about NP education, specialties, and patient care.
• Ask questions at your next appointment. If you’re seeing an NP, you can ask about their specialty, training, or care plan, just as you would with any health care provider.
• Share a reliable resource about nurse practitioners with friends or on social media. Check that it explains the role accurately and reflects the rules in your state.
• Support local health programs. Community clinics, school health services, and nonprofit organizations may welcome volunteers or donations, depending on their needs.
• Encourage children to learn about health careers. A conversation about how nurses and NPs help people can make health care feel more familiar and inspire curiosity about future work.

This page is for general awareness and isn't medical advice. For questions about your own health, talk to a doctor or other healthcare professional.

Reviewed by the Holiday List editorial team on November 4, 2026 · Last updated November 4, 2026.

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