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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!

Wednesday

May 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEMay 12

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYCareers

SUBCATEGORYHealthcare

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

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!

TIMELINE

International Nurses Day Timeline

Birth of Florence Nightingale

Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, was born in Florence, Italy.

Nightingale in Crimean War

Florence Nightingale and 38 volunteer nurses are sent to Turkey to manage the care of wounded soldiers during the Crimean war.

Nightingale Training School Opening

The Nightingale Training School for Nurses, the first secular nursing school in the world, was opened at St Thomas’ Hospital in London.

Dorothy Sutherland's Proposal

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.

Creation of International Nurses Day

The International Council of Nurses officially declared May 12th as International Nurses Day, to be celebrated annually on Florence Nightingale's birthday.

Year of the Nurse and Midwife

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.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate International Nurses Day

Send a card

Send a card or letter to a nurse you know to thank them for their hard work and dedication.

ORGANIZE

Organize a special event

Organize a special event in the hospital or nursing facility where the nurses work. Have food, music and fun activities to show your appreciation.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer

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.

MAKE

Make a donation

Make a donation in honor of the nurses who have gone above and beyond in their care for patients.

Share your story

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.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why International Nurses Day is Important

Nurses bring comfort to patients of all ages

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!

Nurses play an important role in healthcare

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.

Nurses help reduce stress on other medical professionals

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.

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