This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about International Nurses Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. International Nurses Day is celebrated on May 12th.
Among the information you’ll find below: the history of International Nurses Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as important facts you ought to know about International Nurses Day.
📅 What day is International Nurses Day 2024?
In 2024, International Nurses Day is on Friday, May 12th. It is the 2nd Friday in May; in 2024, it is Sunday. There are until the next observance. You also can learn all the exciting details and facts about May 12, 2023, that you might not be aware of.
Every year on May 12, nurses worldwide come together to celebrate International Nurses Day. Some individuals have always looked up to nurses, while others may have had negative experiences. However, we recognize that nurses play a vital role in the healthcare industry as they wear scrubs, carry stethoscopes, and are trusted partners to doctors. If you are considering pursuing a career in nursing, Schoalroo offers nursing scholarships to assist with your educational expenses.
📜 International Nurses Day History
Florence Nightingale was a trailblazer in the field of nursing, introducing what are now known as modern nursing methods. Born in Florence, Italy, her given name reflected her birthplace. During the Crimean War, she served as a nurse and upon her return, she utilized her experiences to develop a comprehensive nursing system. Her dedication earned her the nickname “the Lady with the Lamp” as she tirelessly cared for wounded soldiers during the night. Nightingale was not only a skilled nurse but also a prolific writer, using her writings to disseminate nursing techniques. She had a talent for statistics and charts, using them to present her findings and draw conclusions. In fact, she was one of the pioneers of pie charts. In 1870, Nightingale founded the first non-religious nursing school in collaboration with London’s St. Thomas’ Hospital, which is now part of King’s College. She implemented various hygiene and sanitation practices, including the introduction of the nurse’s cap. Today, International Nursing Day is celebrated on her birthday, recognizing her significant contributions to the field of nursing.
✅ International Nurses Day Facts
🔖 Gender bias
In recent decades, the nursing field has made progress towards being more inclusive, although there is still much room for improvement. As per the World Health Organization’s data for 2020, only 10% of individuals working in nursing are male.
🔖 Started as a woman’s job
The word “nurse” originates from the term “nutrire,” referring to a “wet nurse” who breastfeeds and cares for infants.
🔖 Largest healthcare profession
Nurses constitute a significant portion of the healthcare workforce worldwide, accounting for 59% or approximately 3.8 million registered nurses. Additionally, the nursing profession continues to grow with the creation of 200,000 new nurse positions annually.
👍 Why Is International Nurses Day Important
Many educational activities and events are planned for International Nurses Day. This is for nurses to become acquainted with industry advancements.
Nurses are recognized at events all throughout the world. They are honored in many countries for their significant contributions.
Nursing schools and departments are inaugurated on this day. New policies are also introduced to help promote and elevate the nursing profession.
🙂 How To Observe International Nurses Day
⚡ Spread the word
⚡ Give thanks
Exercise your creativity by making a card or poster to show appreciation for your favorite nurse. Alternatively, organize a sing-along event at a nearby hospital. If these ideas feel overwhelming, a simple gesture of thanking them in person the next time you encounter them will go a long way to acknowledge their dedication and hard work.
⚡ A coffee or a foot massage
Share a personal moment with a nurse or share a photo on social media with the hashtag #CelebrateNurses. You could also persuade someone who is smart and has a strong desire to help others to go into the noble profession.
📅 When is International Nurses Day?
| YEAR | DATE | DAY |
| 2024 | May 12 | Sunday |
| 2025 | May 12 | Monday |
| 2026 | May 12 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | May 12 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | May 12 | Friday |
See all 🔗 May holidays, including 🔗 Appreciation and other 🔗 Awareness holidays.
We will continue to update this page with new information and must-know facts about International Nurses Day. So be sure to check back soon.