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International Nurses Day

Honor the heroes on International Nurses Day - thank them for their hard work and dedication to keeping us safe!
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When it is?
May 12
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Category
Appreciation
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Country
International
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Founded
Introduction

It's time to recognize and celebrate the amazing work of nurses around the world on International Nurses Day, May 12. This day was created in 1974 by the International Council of Nurses to honor the legacy of Florence Nightingale, who is widely considered to be the founder of modern nursing. It's a great opportunity to show your appreciation for the hardworking nurses who dedicate their lives to providing quality care for those in need. So let’s take a moment to recognize and thank all these incredible healthcare professionals!

History of International Nurses Day

International Nurses Day Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1820</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Birth of Florence Nightingale</div><div class='timeline-text'>Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, was born in Florence, Italy.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1854</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Nightingale in Crimean War</div><div class='timeline-text'>Florence Nightingale and 38 volunteer nurses are sent to Turkey to manage the care of wounded soldiers during the Crimean war.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1860</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Nightingale Training School Opening</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Nightingale Training School for Nurses, the first secular nursing school in the world, was opened at St Thomas’ Hospital in London.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1953</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Dorothy Sutherland's Proposal</div><div class='timeline-text'>Dorothy Sutherland, an official at the U.S. Department of Health, wrote a proposal to President Eisenhower suggesting a "Nurse Day" in October of this year.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1974</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Creation of International Nurses Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The International Council of Nurses officially declared May 12th as International Nurses Day, to be celebrated annually on Florence Nightingale's birthday.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Year of the Nurse and Midwife</div><div class='timeline-text'>The World Health Organization designated 2020 as the Year of the Nurse and the Midwife, coinciding with the 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate International Nurses Day

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Send a card</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Send a card or letter to a nurse you know to thank them for their hard work and dedication.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a special event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organize a special event in the hospital or nursing facility where the nurses work. Have food, music and fun activities to show your appreciation.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Volunteer at a local hospital or nursing facility on International Nurses Day. Help out with small tasks to free up the nurses from the daily grind.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Make a donation</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Make a donation in honor of the nurses who have gone above and beyond in their care for patients.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share your story</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>If you have had a nurse who has made a positive impact on your life, share your story online or in the media. Your story could inspire others to recognize and thank nurses for their invaluable contributions.</p></div></div>

Why International Nurses Day is Important

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Nurses play an important role in healthcare</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Nurses are the vital link between doctors and patients, providing essential care and support. They are responsible for diagnosing and treating illnesses, providing preventative care, and educating the public on health-related topics. Without nurses, the healthcare system would be significantly less efficient and effective.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Nurses help reduce stress on other medical professionals</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>In many cases, nurses provide essential support for medical staff by taking on tasks that would otherwise require additional training or certification. This often allows doctors to focus on the more complex or specialized aspects of treatment, which helps reduce stress levels and provide better quality care for their patients.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Nurses bring comfort to patients of all ages</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Perhaps one of the most important roles of nurses is providing emotional support to their patients. Nurses often go out of their way to make sure that each patient feels safe and secure during their time in the hospital. That caring touch can do wonders for a scared or anxious patient, regardless of age or circumstance!</p></div></div>

5 Fascinating Facts for International Nurses Day

International Nurses Day FAQs

When is International Nurses Day?

International Nurses Day is celebrated on May 12 every year. In 2023 International Nurses Day will occur on a Sunday.

International Nurses Day Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

May 12

Friday

2024

May 12

Sunday

2025

May 12

Monday

2026

May 12

Tuesday

2027

May 12

Wednesday

Appreciation Holidays