International Nurses Day: Theme, Significance

International Nurses Day, observed on May 12, marks the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale. A nurse’s role in the healthcare industry is as important as a doctor’s. Just like we applaud the doctors all over the world, we must give a round to express our gratitude towards the brave and hard working nurses on International Nurses Day too.

The International Council of Nurses declared Florence Nightingale’s birthday as International Nurses Day. In this article, we have shared further information about this day, including its theme, history and significance.

International Nurses Day 2023

To mark the contribution of the kind, compassionate, and brave nurses towards the healthcare industry, International Nurses Day is celebrated worldwide on May 12 every year. There’s a belief that doctors are next to God since they save us from sickness. If that’s the case, nurses should be regarded as angels because they stay by the doctor’s side and help them.

Nurses Day is the occasion to express gratitude towards our caregivers. They help patients get better by communicating with them, understanding their needs, and providing comprehensive care. We have shared an overview of International Nurses Day below.

International Nurses Day Theme 2023

Each year, there’s a different Nurses Day campaign. The International Council of Nurses announces the theme of the year and all the events for the day revolve around the theme. The International Nurses Day theme 2023 is “Our Nurses. Our Future”.

• The first theme of International Nurses Day was set in 1988; it was “Safe Motherhood.” Almost all countries in the world celebrate this day with utmost enthusiasm.
• Countries such as Ireland, Australia, the United States, and Canada dedicate a whole week to celebrating the kindness and selflessness of nurses.
• Some countries pick a separate date to celebrate as their Nurses Day.

World Nurse Day - History

The history of International Nurses Day can be traced back to 1974 when the International Council of Nurses established the day. Nurses are the primary caregivers of patients. Sometimes, patients start feeling better just because of the empathetic behaviour of a nurse. Therefore, Nurses Day honors all people engaged in the noble profession of nursing.

May 12 was chosen in 1974 as the date of celebration worldwide because Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, was born on this day. On this day, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) prepares the International Nurses’ Kit which contains educational and public information materials used by nurses worldwide and distributes them.

Nurses Day - Significance

International Nurses Day is celebrated on the birthday of Florence Nightingale, who is known as the pioneer of modern nursing. Here is why this day is considered so significant:

• This day raises awareness about the challenges of the profession of nursing.
• Nurses Day gives us the opportunity to acknowledge the tireless work that nurses do.
• This day highlights the work of nurses and gives them the opportunity to take pride in their profession.

International Nurses Day - About Florence Nightingale

Florence Nightingale is seen as an icon of the Victorian era for her endless contribution to healthcare all over the world. Her birthday is celebrated as Nurse Day worldwide.

• Despite coming from a wealthy family, her heart ached for poor, helpless people.
• Nurses still look up to her and aim to become as influential as her.
• The Florence Nightingale Medal, which is the highest global recognition for nurses, is named in her honour.
• On International Nurses Day, we remember her constant effort towards the betterment of the healthcare industry, without which, so many lives would have been lost in the Crimean War in 1854.
• She gave utmost importance to cleanliness in hospitals, and her superior knowledge of medicine saved the lives of many.
• Humanity can seldom thank healthcare workers enough for the sacrifices they make for us. International Nurses Day is the perfect opportunity to take a break and express gratitude towards those who work to keep us healthy.

FAQs on International Nurses Day

Q1. When is International Nurses Day celebrated?

International Nurses Day is celebrated on May 12 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. Nurses Day highlights the efforts of nurses around the world in ensuring that patients receive appropriate healthcare.

Q2. What is the International Nurses Day theme 2023?

International Council of Nurses announced the International Nurses Day theme 2023, “Our Nurses. Our Future.” The theme indicates that by encouraging people to take up the profession of nursing, they invest in healthcare and in the future itself.

Q3. Why is International Nurses Day celebrated?

International Nurses Day commemorates the birthday of the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale. On this day, the work of nurses around the world is acknowledged and their contributions are honored. Nurses Day is about paying tribute to those who are our primary caregivers, i.e., nurses.

Q4. Who declared International Nurses Day?

The International Council of Nurses (ICN) announced the celebration of International Nurses Day in 1965. May 12 was the day chosen for the celebration because it marks the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, who is considered the founder of modern nursing.

Q5. Why is May 12 celebrated as International Nurses Day?

May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, is celebrated as International Nurses Day. Florence Nightingale was the most influential nurse of all time. Her contributions to the healthcare industry have saved many lives. In her honor, the ICN announced May 12 as Nurses Day.

Q6. How to celebrate International Nurses Day?

Here are some ideas on how to participate in the celebration of International Nurses Day:

• Express your respect for nurses by joining the campaign on social media.
• Share a thank you note for your nurse on Nurses Day.
• Educate people about the importance of nursing and the contribution of nurses.

Q7. When was the first Nurses Day celebrated in India?

International Nurses Day was celebrated in India for the first time in 197 International Council of Nurses and has been observed officially since 1974 on Florence Nightingale’s birthday. Nightingale was born on May 12, 1820, in Florence, Italy and her birthday was designated as Nurses Day.

Q8. What was the theme of Nurses Day 2021?

The theme of International Nurses Day was “Nurses: A Voice to Lead – A vision for future healthcare.” Every year, the International Council of Nurses announces a new theme for Nurses Day every year.