International Nurses Day

Nurses: A Voice to Lead

Invest in Nursing and respect rights to secure global health

It is since 1965, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) has been celebrating May 12 (the date was designated in January 1974) in honor of the nurses serving us & our health across the globe. With diverse, relevant, & progressive themes over the years, the ICN has been focusing on the theme of “Nurses: A Voice to Lead” since 2017.

International Council of Nurses

The ICN, founded in 1899 and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, is a global organization of 135 members. With an aim to focus on the efforts of the nurses and nursing staff, enhance their socio-economic status, and work on the health policy globally, the organization brings together the nurses and the nurses’ organization under one global umbrella. 

Why The Day?

Ever had the thought of always being involved in backend work or working extremely hard, but the efforts ultimately going unnoticed and unrecognized? Yes, I am sure we all must have at some stage.

Our nurses are our core healthcare professionals, supporting us day & night. No doubt, the doctors save us, but who keeps us safe? Undoubtedly, the doctors understand and get to the root cause of our problem, but who is the one who ensures the problem does not recur? Yes, it is the nursing staff of the hospitals and other healthcare centers! 

They are the ones monitoring us day in and out, keeping our vitals under check, ensuring our timely intake of diet and medicines, and reporting any deviation on a prompt basis. And, of course, the role played by them – our COVID WARRIORS during the pandemic peaks was & continues to be incredible! Hence, the observance of such a day is the least we can do as a token of appreciation for our dear nurses.

Why May 12?

May 12 marks the birth anniversary of British National Florence Nightingale. With the “The Lady with the Lamp” persona, she rightfully lighted the lives of many! Her dedicated service during the Crimean War for taking care of the wounded soldiers and providing training for the same to other nurses proved phenomenal & is something remembered to date. 

Through her selfless services, she became the founder of modern nursing, so much so that

  • the nurses take the Nightingale pledge before starting their nursing career,
  • the Florence Nightingale Medal is the highest honor globally a nurse can receive for her services, and
  • May 12, her birthday is celebrated as Nurses Day internationally. 

Nurses: A Voice To Lead – Invest in Nursing and respect rights to secure global health

The ones who work on the ground are the ones who can provide genuine and true feedback, and hence those are the ones to be a part of crucial decision-making! True, ain’t it?

Nurses are the ONES playing a significant role in the entire healthcare industry. That’s the reason the ICN has been persistently focusing on giving them voices – voices that can be heard & opinions that can be included in policy development and implementation. 

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in December 2019 and its continuance to date in varied forms have clearly outlined the need for investment in the nursing and healthcare sector. Thus, speaks the 2022 IND theme – it’s time to rightfully invest in nursing and do everything possible to secure global health. The world must now recover from and break the shackles of the pandemic, regain what is lost, preserve what is, and strengthen itself to face any upcoming struggles with healthier bodies and minds!

Cheers to the Florence Nightingales protecting the World!

Avani Raj Arora

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