International Nurses Day
Give a big thank-you to the hard-working, often under-paid medical professionals who keep hospitals, rehab centers, nursing homes and hospice care running.
Some people seem to think that the most important people in the healthcare system are the doctors, but this is simply not true! Ever the underdog, nurses play a key role in all of our medical institutions, being responsible for the welfare, safety and recovery of patients.
Nurses have an enormous amount of knowledge and many diverse skills they spend years perfecting and developing, all the time working in decidedly tough environments where extreme stress is just a part of the job.
How to Celebrate International Nurses Day
Show Appreciation
Because this day is all about celebrating nurses’ endless contributions to society, take this opportunity to show a nurse who has taken care of you how much you appreciate her or him!
As with most gestures of appreciation, whatever you decide to do need not be grand or cost much money. If you are feeling especially grateful for the way a certain nurse took care of you (fed you, brought you a blanket, let you cry on his or her shoulder, or any of the hundreds of other things nurses do), today is the day to show that gratitude.
Give Gifts to a Special Nurse
So take a trip down to the hospital with a box of chocolates, a nice bottle of wine, or anything else you think that particular nurse might like.
Some people, after having spent months in the hospital with a serious condition, decide to order pizza or cake for the entire medical team that was looking after them, a gesture that that team is guaranteed to remember you for forever, if you should decide on it.
However, as mentioned before, it’s the thought that counts the most. A nurse’s main goal is to help you get through treatment and get better, so just knowing he or she succeeded is a reward in itself.
Research Florence Nightingale
As the day has been chosen because it is the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birthday, you may want to spend some time researching more about Florence Nightingale and everything that she achieved.
There are a lot of online resources, as well as plenty of books that have been published as well. Florence Nightingale is created with being the founder of modern nursing.
She served as a trainer and manager of nurses throughout the Crimean War, organizing care for soldiers who had been wounded in battle. This resulted in her being an icon of Victorian culture, giving nurses a favorable reputation.
Florence also laid the foundations for professional nursing when she established a nursing school in 1860. This was in London at St Thomas’ Hospital. Today, it is part of King’s College London. Back then, it was the world’s very first secular nursing school, which is quite some achievement!
This merely scratches the surface of her achievements. Her social reforms include expanding female participation in the workforce, helping to eradicate prostitution laws that were hard for women, advocating improved hunger relief in India, and improving healthcare for all sections of society in Britain.
Learn About International Nurses Day
International Nurses Day has been created so that we can pay honor and tribute to all of the nurses around the world and the incredible work they do.
It is crazy to think about a world without nurses. Who would be there to care for us when we’re not feeling well? Nurses bring so much to our lives, and the lives of the people that we love, and so it is only right that we have a day that honors them and recognizes all of their efforts!
Nurses have a very varied role and they are responsible for a number of different things in the workplace. This includes writing care plans for patients, assisting with evaluations and tests, setting up blood transfusions and drips, checking and administering drugs and injections, observing and recording the condition of patients.
They will also maintain patient records, mentor junior and student nurses, organise staff, and reassure patients and their relatives.
This merely scratches the surface! From responding quickly to emergencies to planning hospital discharges and carrying out routine investigations, the list goes on! Nurses certainly have a huge role to play when it comes to the health and wellbeing of people all around the world.
Nurses help bring new life into the world, care tirelessly for the sick and injured, and sometimes watch the patients they did everything to save pass away despite their best efforts.
Acknowledge the hard work, long hours, and emotional duress that are part of the life of every nurse on International Nurses Day!
History of International Nurses Day
It all began in 1953, when Dorothy Sutherland, an official with the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, contacted President Dwight D. Eisenhower proposing he proclaim a “Nurses’ Day”.
However, he did not approve her proposal at that time. The International Council of Nurses has celebrated on May 12th since 1965. This date is an important date to all nurses, as it is the anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, who is widely considered the founder of modern nursing.
In January 1974, this day was finally officially made International Nurses Day. Each year since then, ICN prepares and distributes something called the International Nurses’ Day Kit which contains educational and public information materials, for use by nurses everywhere.
There is a different theme that is attributed to International Nurses Day every year. We would recommend taking a look at the theme, as this will give you a better understanding of the focus and could even help you to decide what you are going to do to celebrate International Nurses Day.
For example, one of the recent themes was “Nursing the world to health.” This theme was designed to focus on the real value that nurses bring to people all over the globe. A lot of the major organizations around the world that embrace this date will use the theme to guide their celebrations and activities.
International Nurses Day FAQs
Did Florence Nightingale have an unusual hobby that influenced her work?
Yes, she was deeply interested in statistics. She created the “coxcomb chart,” a circular diagram showing data on disease and death rates.
This innovation helped her advocate for improved hygiene in hospitals, changing public health policies worldwide.
How do nurses in Ghana celebrate International Nurses Day?
In Ghana, nurses often organize health outreach programs in underserved communities.
These include free health screenings, education on disease prevention, and promoting public health awareness, showcasing their commitment to improving local healthcare.
What unusual nursing-related tradition exists in Italy?
Italian nursing schools sometimes honor their students on May 12th by organizing reenactments of historical events.
These dramas, often featuring Florence Nightingale, highlight the evolution of modern nursing and inspire students with stories of courage.
Why is the lamp a global symbol of nursing?
The lamp represents Florence Nightingale’s nightly hospital rounds during the Crimean War.
This act of compassion and dedication made her an enduring symbol of selfless care and earned her the nickname “The Lady with the Lamp.”
Did any famous historical figures work as nurses?
Yes, Walt Whitman, the American poet, worked as a volunteer nurse during the U.S. Civil War.
His experiences inspired some of his most moving poetry, reflecting the hardships of war and the compassion of caregivers.
How did nurses help shape modern disaster response systems?
The 1985 Mexico City earthquake revealed the critical role of nurses in disaster response. Mexican nurses trained in emergency care created protocols now adopted globally to save lives during natural disasters.
What is the “Nightingale Pledge”?
The “Nightingale Pledge,” written in 1893, is a statement of ethics for nurses.
It’s often recited during graduation ceremonies, akin to the Hippocratic Oath for doctors, emphasizing commitment to patient care and honesty.
How is International Nurses Day celebrated in Brazil?
Brazil celebrates by holding seminars and workshops on innovative nursing techniques.
Many nurses also participate in parades to raise awareness about public health issues like dengue fever and Zika virus prevention.
What role did nurses play in the Apollo space missions?
Nurses were crucial in the Apollo missions, monitoring astronauts’ health during quarantine after their return. Their work ensured astronauts didn’t introduce unknown pathogens to Earth.
Are there any famous works of art inspired by nurses?
Yes, Norman Rockwell’s painting The Nurse celebrates nurses’ role in vaccination campaigns. Created during a polio outbreak, it depicts a nurse comforting a child, highlighting their pivotal role in public health.
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