International Nurses Day (12 May) History, Significance, Theme and Observation

International Nurses Day Quick Facts

Event Name	International Nurses Day ()
Event Started	1953
Event Level	International Day
Observed by	International Council of Nurses

International Nurses Day Brief

Florence Nightingale's birthday is celebrated as 'International Nurses Day' every year on 12 May all over the world.

International Nurses Day History

The proposal to celebrate 'Nurses Day' was first proposed by 'Dorothy Sutherland', an official of the US Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Ultimately US President Dwight D. Eisenhower recognized it to be celebrated. This day was First celebrated in the year 1953. The International Nurses Council celebrated this day for the first time in the year 1965. The decision to celebrate May 12 as International Nurses Day, the birth anniversary of the eminent 'Florence Nightingale' who started the nursing professional, was taken in the year 1974.

International Nurses Day Objective

Nursing is considered as the largest healthcare profession in the world. Nurses should be well trained, educated and experienced to take care of the patient through all aspects like physical, mental and social level.

When professional physicians are busy seeing other patients, nurses have access and availability to care for patients round the clock. Nurses are expected to be friendly, helpful and affectionate, boosting the morale of the patients and controlling their illness.

International Nurses Day Theme(s)

Years	Themes
2022	Nurses: Make a Difference
2021	Nurses: A Voice to Lead - A Vision for Future Healthcare
2020	Nurses: A Voice to Lead - Nursing the World to Health[6]
2019	Nurses: A Voice to Lead - Health for All
2018	Nurses: A Voice to Lead - Health is a Human right
2017	Nurses: A Voice to Lead - Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals
2016	Nurses: A Force for Change: Improving Health Systems' Resilience[4]
2015	Nurses: A Force for Change: Care Effective, Cost Effective
2014	Nurses: A Force for Change
2013	Closing The Gap: Millennium Development Goals
2012	Closing The Gap: From Evidence to Action
2011	Closing The Gap: Increasing Access and Equity

More info about International Nurses Day

Why is celebrate International Nurses Day?

International Nurses Day is celebrated because of:-

To honor the contribution of nurses in health services.
To educate and train nurses for the welfare of patients.
To discuss about various issues related to nurses.
To appreciate their hard work and dedication.

National Florence Nightingale Award

On this day, the Ministry of Family and Welfare, Government of India instituted the National Florence Nightingale Award for the commendable work and courage of nurses. These awards are presented every year on the occasion of Florence Nightingale's birthday. This award is given by the President of India. The award carries a cash prize of Rs 50,000, a citation and a medal.

Important Days of May Month - (National Days and International Days):

Day	Event Name - Event Level
01 May	International Labor Day - International Day
02 May	World Comedy Day - International Day
03 May	World Press Freedom Day - International Day
08 May	World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day - International Day
11 May	National Technology Day - National Day
12 May	International Nurses Day - International Day
15 May	World Family Day - International Day
17 May	World Information Society Day - International Day
18 May	International Museum Day - International Day
21 May	Anti-Terrorism Day - International Day
22 May	World Biodiversity Day - International Day
31 May	World No Tobacco Day - International Day
मई माह का दूसरा रविवार of May	Mothers Day - International Day
मई माह का पहला मंगलवार of May	World Asthma Day - International Day