International Nurses Day ― Date, History, and Details
International Nurses Day may be something you want to learn more about, and we want to help with that.
Let's dive deeper into learning more about the history of International Nurses Day and why people celebrate or observe it.
History of International Nurses Day and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
International Nurses Day (IND) is celebrated around the world every May 12, the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth. IND was first celebrated in 1974, and was designated by the International Council of Nurses (ICN) to recognize the important role nurses play in global health.
The theme for IND 2020 is “A Voice to Lead – Nursing the World to Health” which emphasizes the importance of nurses as leaders in health care. This year’s theme also coincides with the ICN’s campaign, “Nurses: A Voice to Lead, Health for All” which runs from 2020-2022.
As part of the celebration, the ICN provides resources and activities that can be used by nurses and nursing organizations around the world. These resources include a toolkit with tips on how to celebrate IND, as well as posters and social media materials.
The ICN also encourages nurses to use the day to advocate for better working conditions, pay, and benefits. In addition, IND can be used as an opportunity to educate the public about the vital role nurses play in keeping communities healthy.