Celebrating the compassion, commitment and courage of nurses Premium

International Nurses Day celebrates the dedication and impact of nurses worldwide, highlighting their crucial role in healthcare and society.

Nurses Day is celebrated to honour the invaluable contributions of nurses to healthcare and society. It recognizes their dedication, compassion, and the critical role they play in patient care, often under challenging circumstances.

International Nurses Day is observed every year on May 12 to mark the birthday of Florence Nightingale (born in 1820), who is considered to be the founder of modern nursing. Her pioneering work during the Crimean War laid the foundation for professional nursing practices and standards that continue to shape the field today. More than a historic remembrance, this day is a global celebration of the compassion, commitment, and courage of nurses—those who are always on the frontlines of care.

The day also serves as a reminder of the essential role nurses play in improving health outcomes and maintaining the well-being of individuals and communities worldwide.

Nurses are often the unsung heroes of healthcare. They are the steady hands in emergencies, the comforting voice in moments of fear, and the lifeline for patients across every age and background. Whether in bustling hospitals, remote rural clinics, or in crisis zones, their presence means everything.

‘Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for nurses strengthens economies’: This theme, announced by the International Council of Nurses (ICN), emphasises the critical importance of supporting the health and well-being of nurses. It highlights how a healthy and secure nursing workforce is essential not only for effective healthcare delivery, but also for strengthening economies and improving health systems globally

The focus of this year’s theme is to address the physical, mental, emotional, and ethical challenges faced by nurses. By prioritising their well-being, the ICN aims to ensure that nurses can continue to provide high-quality care that is vital to the health of communities. ​

When nurses are trained, equipped, and supported, entire communities become healthier and more resilient. Investment in nursing leads to reduced healthcare costs, faster recoveries, and stronger public health outcomes. In short, the economic and social value of nursing goes far beyond what we see at the bedside.