International Nurses Day 2024: Theme, History, Significance, and Quotes by Florence Nightingale

Every year on May 12, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) observes International Nurses Day (IND) to commemorate the vital role that nurses play in communities all around the world. This is a chance to express our gratitude and appreciation for the contributions of nurses in promoting health, healing and overall well-being across a range of communities and healthcare environments. The day is significant since it is marks the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, arguably the most famous nurse in history.

International Nurses Day 2024 Theme

“Our Nurses. Our Future. The economic power of care”, is the theme chosen by ICN for International Nurses Day 2024.

Nursing is the foundation of healthcare, although it is frequently undervalued by society and faced with financial difficulties. The goal of IND 2024 is to change people’s perspectives by showcasing the significant social and economic advantages that may result from wise investments in nursing.

History of International Nurses Day

The origins of Nurses Day may be found in 1953 when President Eisenhower received a request from Dorothy Sutherland of the US Department of Health, Education and Welfare to establish a Nurse Day for October of that same year.

The inaugural National Nurses Week was celebrated from October 11–16, 1954, to commemorate Florence Nightingale’s 100th anniversary of her expedition to the Crimea, however, the declaration was never issued.

President Nixon established National Nurse Week in 1974. A resolution to designate May 6 as National Recognition Day for Nurses was started in 1981 by nurses in New Mexico. The ANA Board of Directors spearheaded this idea, and the US Congress adopted a joint resolution in 1982 declaring May 6 to be National Recognition Day for Nurses.

In March of that year, President Reagan issued an official proclamation designating May 6 as the day of celebration. Later, the ANA Board of Directors extended it in 1990 to become National Nurses Week, a week-long commemoration taking place from May 6–12. The International Council of Nurses declared May 12, 1965, to be International Nurses Day, a day to honour nurses everywhere.

Significance of International Nurses Day

International Nurses Day is an excellent opportunity to celebrate nurses who ensure the safety, well-being and recovery of patients.

This day honours their commitment to the global provision of top-notch healthcare services. Like any other profession engaged in medical practice, nursing plays an equally important role.

This day serves as important opportunity to recognise and pay tribute to the invaluable work and contributions of nurses worldwide

Quotes by Florence Nightingale

1. “I attribute my success to this—I never gave or took an excuse.”
2. “You ask me why I do not write something… I think one’s feelings waste themselves in words, they ought all to be distilled into actions and into actions which bring results.”
3. “Live life when you have it. Life is a splendid gift–there is nothing small about it.”
4. “What cruel mistakes are sometimes made by benevolent men and women in matters of business about which they can know nothing and think they know a great deal.”
5. “The most important practical lesson that can be given to nurses is to teach them what to observe – how to observe – what symptoms indicate improvement – what the reverse – which as of importance – which are of none – which are the evidence of neglect – and of what kind of neglect.”