Our Story

Certified Nurses Day is a worldwide day of recognition that celebrates nursing specialty, subspecialty and advanced practice certification – and provides a perfect opportunity to thank certified nurses for their dedication, achievements and deep commitment to patient safety.

Margretta ‘Gretta’ Madden Styles

RN, EdD, FAAN

Certified Nurses Day occurs every March 19, the birthday of Margretta “Gretta” Madden Styles, RN, EdD, FAAN, one of the greatest leaders in the field of nursing certification. She recognized the critical importance of credentialing before broad awareness of its value and her work created global impact on the nursing profession. Margretta architected the first comprehensive study of nurse credentialing in the 1970s. She then pioneered the development and implementation of standards and credentials for nurses.

In the 1980s, she spearheaded the definitive work of the International Council of Nurses (ICN) on nursing regulation. A driving force behind the creation of the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), Margretta Styles advanced nurse certification services and programs across the US and abroad.

Have you witnessed or been impacted by the dedication, expertise, or compassion of a Certified Nurse? Share your story with us.

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