International Nurses Day

International Nurses Day is celebrated every year on May 12. On this day we celebrate nurses all around the world and honor their hard work, dedication and appreciate the incredible work that they do. Most people consider doctors to be the most consequential part of the healthcare system, but the immense contribution and support of the nurses cannot be forgotten or allowed to take a back seat. 

May 12 is also the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale who was the founder of modern nursing. During the Crimean war that broke out in 1853, Florence Nightingale played a crucial role in helping victims heal and recover from war injuries. She took care of the sick and injured to the best of her ability. Her selfless service earned her the title of “the lady with the lamp” as she would look for wounded soldiers even during the night with a little lamp in her hand. 

International Nurses Day was first celebrated on May 12, 1974, by the International Council of Nurses. Since that year, the ICN makes and distributes an International Nurses’ Day Kit to nurses everywhere. Every year a new theme is also given for International Nurses Day. This year’s theme is “Our Nurses, Our Future”.