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International Nurses’ Day - May 12
Sun, May 12, 2024

International Nurses Day

International Nurses Day is a day of gratitude and recognition of this humane, important, and irreplaceable profession. The nurse is the doctor’s faithful assistant, who takes care of your well-being. You should thank and congratulate your nurse on her professional holiday.

The History

International Nurses Day was established in 1971 by the International Council of Nurses. The date of May 12 was chosen in honor of the birthday of the first English nurse, Florence Nightingale, who founded the Nursing School in 1860. The holiday’s purpose is expressing gratitude and recognition to nurses caring daily for patients’ well-being.

It is worth noting the nursing profession appeared much earlier. Its first representatives did not have a medical education: nuns, ministers of churches, and volunteers assisted and cared for sick and dying people.

The entire communities have been created in Europe dedicated to this difficult work. At first, they cared for the sick and dying, and later they also treated wounded soldiers.

Nurses often remain unnoticed, and all the credit for a patient’s recovery goes to the doctor. But the nurse does as much work as the doctor. There are regular cases when the nurse notices certain things and makes decisions that save the patient’s life and health.

How to take part

On this day, information conferences, concerts, and festive dinners are organized. Each person can personally congratulate the nurses.

  1. If you happen to be in the hospital, present a small bouquet to your nurse, expressing your gratitude and appreciation.
  2. Organize volunteer work.
  3. Print and distribute information leaflets.
  4. Launch a social media flash mob using the #InternationalNursesDay hashtag.

When is International Nurses Day celebrated in 2024?

International Nurses Day is observed on May 12 each year.

Observations

Weekday Month Day Year
Sunday May 12 2024
Monday May 12 2025