International Nurses Day

International Nurses Day History

International Nurses Day honours and celebrates the dedication and contributions of nurses worldwide. The observance aims to raise public awareness about the significant role that nurses play in ensuring the health and well-being of communities. It not only recognises the invaluable work they do in providing expert care and compassion to patients, but also acknowledges the crucial role they play in addressing global health issues and challenges.

The celebration of International Nurses Day on 12th May coincides with the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, a British nurse, social reformer, and statistician who became famous for her foundational work in modern nursing. The choice of this date highlights the deep-rooted connection between the United Kingdom and the nursing profession. In the UK, nurses are an integral part of the National Health Service (NHS), providing vital services in various settings such as hospitals, clinics, and community care centres.

International Nurses Day is celebrated through a wide range of activities and events to show appreciation and support for the nursing profession. This may include conferences, workshops, and public discussions that focus on the challenges and accomplishments of nurses, as well as their essential role in healthcare provision. Healthcare institutions, professional nursing associations, and communities often come together on this day to thank and recognise their nurses for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to providing the best possible patient care.

International Nurses Day Facts

• The theme for International Nurses Day in 2024 was The Economic Power of Care. In 2023 the theme was Our Nurses. Our Future.
• According to the Nursing & Midwifery Council, in 2022, there were 758,000 registered Nurses spread throughout the UK.
• According to the NHS, the median pay for Nurses in 2023 was £33,000.
• Common duties for Nurses are:
  1) Administer prescribed treatments and medication
  2) Perform wound care
  3) Draw blood and urine samples
  4) Educating patients on care for their injury, condition, or illness
• The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the largest professional organization and trade union for nurses in the UK.
• The nursing profession in the UK is diverse, with around 20% of registered nurses coming from Black, Asian, and ethnic minority backgrounds.

In the News and Trending in the UK for International Nurses Day

International Nurses Day Top Things to Do

• Watch Florence Nightingale (2008).
• St Margaret’s Church in Eastney, Portsmouth, holds an annual service to commemorate nurses and midwives who have died.
• Some communities and organizations hold charity events on International Nurses Day for causes such as nursing education or health-related charities.
• Watch Florence Nightingale (2008), a BBC drama starring Laura Fraser as Florence Nightingale, who revolutionised the care and treatment of the sick during the Crimean War.
• International Nurses Day can be a great opportunity to give back to the community and make a difference. Participate in volunteer activities or fundraising events for healthcare-related charities.