New York State Department of Health Honors Nurses in New York State in Observance of National Nurses Week

2025 National Nurses Week Theme is 'The Power of Nurses'

Governor Hochul Issues Proclamation Honoring New York's Nearly 454,000 Registered Professional Nurses and More than 65,400 Licensed Practical Nurses

ALBANY, N.Y. (May 7, 2025) – The New York State Department of Health today announced the observance of National Nurses Month in May and Nurses Week, May 6 – 12. This year, the American Nurses Association has chosen the theme, "The Power of Nurses." Additionally, Governor Kathy Hochul has issued a proclamation honoring New York's nearly 454,000 registered professional nurses and more than 65,400 Licensed Practical Nurses whose expertise and proficiency contribute to the overall health care delivery system in New York State, ensuring the best possible outcomes for all patients.

"Nurses are among the most important members of the health care team and their expertise and compassionate care have an immeasurable impact the lives of their patients every day," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "Nursing is more than a career; it's a commitment to protecting the health and wellness of our communities. Today and every day we recognize and thank New York nurses for their unwavering dedication and contribution to the field."

Governor Kathy Hochul on Friday announced that nursing simulation centers will be established on three State University of New York (SUNY) campuses as part of her signature legislation to expand simulation-based education in SUNY nursing programs. The $62 million investment includes $35 million in direct SUNY capital awards, with the remaining funds contributed by campus matches. The three nursing simulation centers will be located on the University at Buffalo, SUNY Canton and Stony Brook University campuses.

This work builds upon the state's ongoing efforts to bolster New York's health workforce infrastructure through key initiatives, with the 2022 goal of increasing the state's health care workforce by 20 percent over five years.

Last year, Governor Hochul announced the NYS Healthcare Workers for Our Future Scholarship, which provides a two-year, full-ride scholarship to approximately 500 New York State students seeking to earn their associates or bachelor's degree for several professions including Registered Nurse.

The 2023 enacted budget provided funding for the first year of the New York State Nurses Across New York (NANY) Loan Repayment Program, designed to help train and place registered professional nurses (RN) and licensed practical nurses (LPN) in underserved communities, in a variety of settings and specialties, to care for New York's diverse population. Subsequent enacted budgets have continued appropriations for NANY.

Last year, the Governor announced that New York State had paid over $2 billion in bonuses to more than 800,000 health care workers – including thousands of nurses – through the Health Care Worker Bonus Program. The program was launched by Governor Hochul in 2022 and provided bonuses of up to $3,000 for eligible health care workers across New York.

The American Nurses Association's celebration of National Nurses Week begins each year on May 6 and ends on May 12, Florence Nightingale's birthday. Nightingale was the founder of modern nursing and is credited with expanding roles for women in the workforce.

For more information about National Nurses Week please visit here.