Recap of National Nursing Week 2026

Thank you to everyone who joined RNAO’s National Nursing Week celebrations from May 11-17! Guided by this year’s theme, Empowered Nurses Save Lives, nurses, nursing students and health-care leaders came together for a week of learning, recognition and connection.

Nursing Week celebrations extended far beyond virtual events. Through the Long-Term Care Best Practices Program and RNAO Clinical Pathways program, implementation coaches conducted more than 85 visits to long-term care homes across Ontario, engaging staff, residents and visitors in activities focused on evidence-informed practice and quality improvement. CEO Dr. Doris Grinspun visited two long-term care BPSO sites, IOOF Seniors Home in Barrie and Copernicus Lodge in Toronto, to celebrate Nursing Week and recognize their commitment to excellence in care.

Throughout the week, more than 900 members participated in RNAO and its chapters, regions and interest groups' rich variety of events. A total of 23 presentations focused on resilience, mentorship, leadership, nursing education, mental health, evidence-informed practice, policy and career development. Highlights included the RNAO Recognition Awards Ceremony, the Nursing Now Ontario Awards, discussions on people-centred care, aging and substance use, and a panel on civic engagement and public office featuring RN and Minister of Long-Term Care Natalia Kusendova-Bashta and Liberal MPP and RN Tyler Watt. RNAO also marked International Nurses Day with the Ibero-American BPSO event, bringing together more than 100 participants from Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Colombia and Chile to share experiences and showcase the impact of evidence-informed practice.

RNAO leaders connected with members throughout the week. Then-President NP Lhamo Dolkar joined the Brampton and Mississauga chapters' Nursing Week dinner and attended a Nursing Week celebration at William Osler Health System. Then-President-Elect Sue LeBeau participated in a session hosted by the Palliative Care Nurses' Interest Group and attended both the RNAO Recognition Awards Ceremony and the Nursing Now Ontario Awards. Dr. Grinspun also participated in events focused on public policy, international nursing collaboration and leadership, and a wonderful dinner with 126 members organized by region 7.

The week also featured a special video message from Dr. Grinspun recognizing the vital contributions nurses make every day to the health and wellbeing of people and communities.

RNAO is proud to celebrate nurses across all sectors and domains of care. Your leadership, expertise and commitment continue to strengthen our health system and improve lives.