International Nurses Day: Our Nurses, Our Future

Highlights:

International Nurses Day is celebrated on May 12 to celebrate the work nurses do
The theme of International Nurses Day 2023 is “Our Nurses. Our Future”
The day is celebrated on the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, who is the founder of modern nursing

Nurses are an integral part of our healthcare system, without whom the entire system would collapse. Let’s come together to celebrate our frontline heroes this International Nurses Day. International Nurses Day is celebrated on 12 May every year ().

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‘This International Nurses Day, let’s come together to celebrate the nurses that nurse us back to health when we don’t feel our best.’

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Why Does International Nurses Day Matter?

International Nurses Day was created to honor and celebrate the incredible work our nurses do every single day. They care for us when we’re not feeling well and bring so much into our and our loved ones’ lives. This day was created to honor them and give them the recognition they very well deserve.

Nurses have various roles and responsibilities. From assisting with tests and evaluating vitals, setting up blood transfusions and drips, checking and administering drugs and injections, and responding appropriately during emergencies, the role of a nurse is varied and diverse.

They are the backbone of the healthcare system.

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Theme of International Nurses Day 2023

Every year, a new theme is chosen, and the theme for 2023 is "Our Nurses. Our Future."

According to the International Council of Nurses (ICN), which represents millions of nurses worldwide, this theme outlines what the federation hopes for nursing in the next few years to solve global health concerns.

“The profession needs to learn from the lessons of the coronavirus pandemic” and translate these into actions for the future “that ensure nurses are protected, respected, and valued”, said Dr. Pamela Cipriano, President of ICN.

Dr. Cipriano said: “It is now time to look to the future and demonstrate what these investments will mean for nursing and healthcare.

“Our Nurses. Our Future.’ campaign will shine the light on nurses and on a brighter future, moving nurses from invisible to invaluable in the eyes of policymakers, the public, and all those who make decisions affecting the delivery and financing of health care.”

As well as learning lessons to support nurses, this year’s campaign will also look at how global health systems must be strengthened to address growing health demands, Dr. Cipriano added.

She noted the 2023 theme will “capture key actions” that ICN believes are essential to address both the profession and health systems and which are “mutually beneficial and reinforcing”.

Dr. Cipriano added: “Together our future depends on every nurse, every voice, to not only be on the front lines of care but also be on the front lines of change.”

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History Behind International Nurses Day

Since 1965, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) has observed this day.

Dorothy Sutherland, a U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare official, recommended that President Dwight D. Eisenhower declare a "Nurses' Day" in 1953. However, he did not approve of it.

In January 1974, the date of 12 May was chosen to commemorate the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. ICN creates and distributes the International Nurses Day Kit every year. The package includes educational and public information resources for nurses worldwide to utilize.

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How can We Celebrate International Nurses Day?

Since this day is all about appreciating the endless things nurses do for you, take the time out to genuinely appreciate the hard work nurses put in to make sure their patients are okay.

Some things you can do to show appreciation are:

Expressing gratitude and just being thankful could make a nurse’s day
Buy your favorite nurse something they like. This could be anything from flowers to chocolates to even food. They're sure to appreciate it
Use social media to remind someone to appreciate the nurses who take care of them when they are sick

Reference:

International Nurses Day - (https://www.icn.ch/what-we-do/campaigns/international-nurses-day)

Source-Medindia