International Nurses Day 2024: Date, History, Theme, Significance

International Nurses Day is celebrated every year on May 12. It marks the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, a British nurse, statistician, and reformer. The day also pays tribute to and thanks the crucial role of nurses in safeguarding public health across the world. The International Council of Nurses (ICN) recognises this significant day each year by creating and disseminating materials for International Nurses Day (IND). Our future will outline the goals we have for nursing in the future to address the challenges facing global health and improve global health for all. We must apply the lessons we’ve learned from the pandemic to our future actions.

Name of the day	International Nurses Day
Observed on	12 May
Reason	To mark the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale. To honour the efforts and contributions of nurses globally.
Theme 2024	Our Nurses. Our Future. The economic power of care.

What is International Nurses Day?

The purpose of Nurses Day is to recognise and honour the contributions of nurses worldwide. Every year on May 12, which is the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth, the day is observed. The International Council of Nurses selected the special day, which has been recognised as such since 1974. The legendary Florence Nightingale, a British nurse and social reformer who devoted her life to advancing the medical field, is the inspiration behind the day.

Also Read: How to Become a Nurse?

Why Do We Honor Nurses on May 12?

The U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare’s Dorothy Sutherland proposed to the then-president in 1953 that October 1 be designated as Nurses Day. The proposal was rejected, though. Frances P. Bolton, the first woman from Ohio to be elected to Congress, then sponsored a bill for National Nurse Week. But it wasn’t until President Nixon made the announcement of a National Nurse Week in February 1974, which would run from May 6 to May 12, that it had been 20 years. As a result, May 12 became recognised as Nurses Day.

History of International Nurses Day

• It all started in 1953 when President Dwight D. Eisenhower was contacted by Dorothy Sutherland, a representative of the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, asking him to declare a “Nurses’ Day”.
• He did not, however, at that moment accept her proposal.
• Since 1965, the International Council of Nurses has observed May 12 as their holiday.
• The birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, widely regarded as the father of modern nursing, falls on May 12, making it an important day for all nurses.
• This day was finally declared International Nurses Day in January 1974.
• Since then, ICN has created and distributed a kit for nurses worldwide to use on International Nurses Day that includes educational and public informational materials.

Must Read: National Doctor’s Day

What is the Theme of International Nurses Day 2024?

The theme of International Nurses Day 2024 is, “Our Nurses. Our Future. The Economic Power of Care”. This theme highlights how despite being the foundational stepping stone towards maintaining the health of the general public, nurses often battle with financial and societal restrictions. Therefore, the 2024 celebration of International Nurses Day aims to highlight the need for strategic investment in nursing. 

Below mentioned are the themes for International Nurses Day:

Year	Theme
2023	“Our Nurses”
2022	Nurses: A voice to lead – Invest in Nursing and Respect rights
2021	Nurses: A voice to lead – A vision for future healthcare
2020	Nurses: A voice to lead – Nursing the World to Health

What Connection does Florence Nightingale have for International Nurses Day?

Here are a few points outlining the connection between Florence Nightingale and International Nurses Day:

• During the Crimean War, Florence Nightingale, known as the “Lady with the Lamp,” cared for the injured members of the British army and their allies.
• Florence Nightingale established nursing and medical care standards in military hospitals and camps.
• She also opened the Nightingale Training School at St. Thomas’ Hospital in 1860 to train future nurses and healthcare professionals.

Also Check Out: Operation Room Nursing

How to Observe International Nurses Day?

• Express your gratitude: Express your gratitude to the nurse who took care of you. It doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive and even a small “thank you” can make their day.
• Remember their Efforts: After spending months in the hospital, some patients choose to order pizza or cake for the entire medical staff who took care of them. You can do something similar so that people have something to remember for the rest of their lives.
• Post on social media: You can also spread the word about the importance of celebrating International Nurses Day on social media platforms. This might help raise awareness about the crucial role of nurses in our society.

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