National School Nurses Day honors the underappreciated and often disrespected women and men who work at schools and ensure that the country's youth are safe, healthy, and well taken care of. They often provide education about healthy lifestyle choices to young children and are the first place children will go to when they feel unwell during the day. School nurses are first responders for medical concerns and administer mid-day doses of medication. In a school setting, school nurses make referrals for pediatric care when necessary. They are a vital part of the education system. This is the perfect day to celebrate them and show them how much they mean to you.

National School Nurse Day is held on the Wednesday of National Nurses Week.

On July 4, 1968, the National Education Association established the Department of School Nurses (DSN), an association dedicated to the advancement of school nursing practice and the health of children. In 1974, President Ford proclaimed the fourth Wednesday in January as National School Nurse Day. School nurses are now nationally recognized and celebrated for contributing to the health and well-being of the nation’s students.