Certified Nurses Day: 14 Black Nurses Who Changed The Game

Clockwise: Harriet Tubman, Eddie Bernice Johnson, Hazel Johnson-Brown. Source: Getty.

Certified Nurses Day, observed annually on March 19, is a dedicated time to celebrate and honor nurses who have earned certifications in their specific areas of practice. This special day recognizes nurses who demonstrate a commitment to excellence by obtaining and maintaining advanced credentials in their field, reflecting their expertise, advanced skills, and dedication to delivering high-quality care, as highlighted by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses.

On Wednesday, employers, certification boards, educational institutions, and healthcare organizations will come together to publicly acknowledge the achievements of nurses who have attained the highest credentials in their specialties. The day serves not only to appreciate our beloved healthcare experts but also to highlight the critical importance of professional development and continuing education in the nursing profession. Nurses who pursue certification are driven by a deep passion for their specialties, and Certified Nurses Day recognizes their hard work, perseverance, and dedication to advancing patient care.

Source: Universal History Archive / Getty

However, the legacy of nursing excellence extends beyond certification. Throughout history, Black nurses have made significant contributions despite facing extreme adversity. Following the Civil War, while African Americans gained some measure of freedom, they continued to face systemic racial discrimination, segregation, and unjust laws that threatened their practice. Black nurses, however, persisted through these challenges, working tirelessly to ensure their communities received the medical care and support they desperately needed.

According to NC Central University, these nurses rose to extraordinary occasions—creating support for Black soldiers during the Crimean War, restoring the health of freed slaves after the Civil War, and establishing organizations that continue to empower Black nurses today. Pioneering Black nurses like Mary Eliza Mahoney, Adah Belle Thoms, Estelle Massey Osborne, and Della H. Raney overcame immense barriers to provide essential care, setting a powerful example for future generations.

As we observe Certified Nurses Day, it is important to not only celebrate those who hold certification but to also honor the trailblazing Black nurses whose contributions have shaped the medical field and continue to inspire future healthcare leaders. 

Here are 14 influential Black nurses whose dedication, passion, and hard work have left an incredible mark on healthcare.

RELATED CONTENT: Shawntay Harris Makes History As 1st Black Women Inducted Into Academy Of Emergency Nurses

Educate Yourself: 15 Black Women In History You Probably Don’t Know

SEE ALSO

• Celebrity Hairstylist Dee Michelle Talks Hair Health & Her Invisible K-Tip Method
• Here’s The Real Reason Black People Wash Their Chicken Before Cooking
• From Basic To Bomb: 5 Ways To Elevate Your Sex Game This Summer
• Love Or Liability? How Romantic Relationships Really Impact Your Wallet
• Boop, There It Is! Tony Nominee Jasmine Amy Rogers Is Making History As Broadway’s First Black Betty Boop — And She’s Just Getting Started [Exclusive]