International Nurses Day marks the anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale. She was an English Social reformer and the founder of Modern Nursing. Nightingale became an icon during the Victorian Culture War time and came to be known as the ‘Lady with the Lamp,‘ as she helped the wounded soldiers even during the night. Every year May 12th is commemorated as the ‘International Nurses Day’ worldwide to celebrate the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth and to recognize the services rendered by the Nurses Society.

One of the largest and the most vital jobs is of the nurses who work in the healthcare sector, meeting the expectations of both the management and the patients. It is a demanding and exhausting job both mentally and physically. With the ever changing advancements in the hospitals, they still need to meet the expectations and serve the patients with utmost care. Nursing also includes the autonomous and collaborative care of the patients of all ages, groups and communities. It is their duty to make sure they participate in shaping the health policy of patients, health care system management and even the education of nursing.

This day is typically a weeklong celebration known as Nurses Week and is recognized in Canada, Australia, Asia, Europe and many other countries across the globe. Nurses also represent one of the largest workforces in the entire world. During this period the celebrations are very valid due to the Covid 19 Pandemic. Nurses worldwide are doing selfless service to mankind, sacrificing their personal lives for the well-being of humanity, day and night. We are forever grateful to these unsung warriors for their timely intervention in saving the lives of crores and strengthening the quality and safety of our healthcare.

International Nurses Day represents the contributions that nurses make to the society and the profession’s concern for global health shared value for all Nations.