When is International Nurses Day

May 12th has marked International Nurses Day every year since it was first celebrated back in 1965. The date was chosen as it’s the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth. The founder of modern nursing and healthcare legend changed the way we care for patients, revolutionised hospital hygiene and turned nursing into the respected profession it is today.

As well as being a fantastic opportunity to recognise the contributions Florence Nightingale made to medicine, International Nurses Day allows us to show our appreciation for the entire nursing profession. From nurses working in war zones and developing countries to those caring for the frail and vulnerable in local family clinics, nurses do invaluable work in healthcare settings around the world. If you’re a nurse, or just want to support those working in the vocation, celebrating this important day is a fantastic way to show you care.

The Importance of International Nurses Day

Although they play an incredibly important role in health systems around the world, nurses are often under appreciated. International Nurses Day gives us all an opportunity to publicly acknowledge the hard work, sacrifice and dedication nurses put into caring for their patients.

It acts as a platform to discuss the challenges facing the profession, including workforce shortages, the need for improved compensation and working conditions, and the importance of professional development and education. The themes chosen for IND each year reflect current global health priorities and the critical role of nursing in addressing these issues, advocating for policies that support and empower nurses.

Lastly, International Nurses Day encourages a broader understanding and appreciation of the value of nursing in society. It brings to the forefront the economic and societal benefits of investing in nursing and highlights the need for a shift in perspective that sees nurses not just as caregivers but as essential components of healthcare leadership, policy-making, and management. Celebrating IND helps to elevate the status of nursing, encouraging more people to join the profession, and supporting the advancement of nursing science and practice.

What is the Theme of International Nurses Day 2024?

Source: International Council of Nurses 

Every year, International Nurses Day is given a theme by the International Council of Nurses (ICN). This year, the ICN has chosen The economic power of care, aiming to transform public perception and illustrate the significant economic and societal advantages that can result from strategic investments in nursing.

Previous themes for International Nurses Day include:

2023: “Our Nurses. Our Future”;

2022: “Invest in Nursing and Respect Rights to Secure Global Health”;

2021: "A Vision for Future Healthcare";

2020: "Nursing the World to Health";

2019: "Health for All".

International Nurses Day Events

There are lots of events happening across the country to celebrate the day. You can find out more about events happening near you by following local nursing organizations on social media. While specific activities can vary from year to year and across different countries and organizations, commonly include a range of activities such as Educational Seminars and Workshops, Award Ceremonies, Social Media Campaigns, and Charity and Volunteer Activities, among others.

You can also download IND promotional tools and posters from the International Council of Nurses site.

At Meshop, we understand the pivotal role nurses play in the healthcare system, both in Australia and globally. Nurses are the backbone of patient care, dedicating their lives to supporting and nurturing the health of others. Recognizing the challenges and demands of this noble profession, we are committed to doing our part in supporting these healthcare heroes.

To aid nurses in their invaluable work, we've curated a selection of nursing equipment tailored to meet their diverse needs. We offer a variety of products that combine quality and affordability, ensuring that every nurse, whether a seasoned professional or a student just beginning their journey, has access to the tools they need to provide the best possible care. Our stock includes a fantastic selection of nursing equipment including affordable student nursing kits, stethoscopes and nursing pouches. 

Explore our range today or get in touch with a member of our team to find out more.

Author: Carolyn Cumper's career spans from being a Patrol Officer in Rhodesia to a Paediatric Nurse in the UK, and later a Deputy Hospice Manager in Australia. Her diverse journey includes roles in law enforcement, healthcare, and business, culminating in her significant contributions to Medshop.