International Nurses Day is celebrated annually on May 12, the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth, to honor the critical role nurses play in healthcare and society. The International Council of Nurses (ICN) has been commemorating this important day since 1965, with the theme for 2024 being “Nurses: A Voice to Lead – Invest in nursing and respect rights to secure global health”.
The theme aims to reshape perceptions of nursing by highlighting the strategic value of funding the field and demonstrating how it can result in major social and economic benefits. ICN is launching this year’s International Nurses Day report focusing on “The Economic Power of Care” ahead of the global celebrations on May 12.
Many events and activities are planned to celebrate International Nurses Day 2024, including:
- Webinars and virtual events to launch the IND 2024 publication and campaign
- Sharing photos of celebrations, activities, and community events on ICN’s website and social media
- Releasing posters and virtual backgrounds for nurses, nursing associations, clinics, and supporters to use
- Lighting up landmarks across the country as part of the “#NursesLightUpTheSky” campaign
- Participating in the Nurses Week Getaway Giveaway
- Donating to the Thank a Nurse fund to show support and appreciation for nurses
International Nurses Day is a significant event that honors the extraordinary contributions of nurses to healthcare and serves as a constant reminder of the vital influence they have on the field. It is a day to express gratitude and appreciation for nurses’ compassion, skill, and dedication in promoting health, healing, and well-being across diverse communities and healthcare settings.
What is the history of international nurses day?
International Nurses Day has its origins in the advocacy efforts of Dorothy Sutherland, an official with the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, who proposed in 1953 that President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaim a “Nurses’ Day”. Although Eisenhower did not approve the proposal at the time, the idea gained momentum.
In January 1974, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) officially declared May 12 as International Nurses Day, as it is the anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. Since then, the ICN has celebrated this day annually to commemorate the contributions of nurses worldwide.
Each year, the ICN prepares and distributes the International Nurses’ Day Kit, which contains educational and public information materials for use by nurses everywhere. The day is marked by various events, activities, and celebrations organized by nursing associations, hospitals, and communities to honor the nursing profession.
The history of International Nurses Day is closely tied to the legacy of Florence Nightingale, who is considered the foundational philosopher of modern nursing. Nightingale’s pioneering work during the Crimean War and her establishment of the first secular nursing school at St Thomas’ Hospital in London in 1860 laid the foundation for the nursing profession as we know it today.
What is the significance of the theme for international nurses day 2024
The significance of the theme for International Nurses Day 2024, “Our Nurses. Our Future. The economic power of care,” lies in its emphasis on reshaping perceptions of nursing as an investment rather than a cost. This theme underscores the critical role of nursing in healthcare systems and highlights the importance of strategic investments in nursing for both societal and economic benefits.
By focusing on the economic power of care, the theme aims to raise awareness about the substantial economic and societal value that nursing contributes to healthcare and society as a whole. It seeks to advocate for a shift in perspective among policymakers, healthcare administrators, and the general public regarding the significant return on investment that adequate funding in nursing can provide, especially during financially turbulent times and global health challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts, and the climate crisis.
Moreover, the theme aligns with the ICN’s Charter for Change, which calls for more investment in nursing, improved working conditions and safety for nurses, workforce growth, and enhanced nursing education. It serves as a reminder of the essential role nurses play in promoting well-being, improving health outcomes, and driving healthy economies globally.
In summary, the theme for International Nurses Day 2024 highlights the economic power of care to showcase the invaluable contributions of nurses, advocate for increased investment in the nursing profession, and recognize the pivotal role nurses play in safeguarding public health and addressing global health challenges.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, International Nurses Day 2024, celebrated on May 12, is a significant event that honors the extraordinary contributions of nurses worldwide. The theme for this year, “Our Nurses. Our Future.
The theme aims to reshape perceptions of nursing by highlighting the substantial economic and societal value that nursing contributes to healthcare and society as a whole. It serves as a reminder of the essential role nurses play in promoting well-being, improving health outcomes, and driving healthy economies globally.
International Nurses Day is a day to express gratitude and appreciation for nurses’ compassion, skill, and dedication in promoting health, healing, and well-being across diverse communities and healthcare settings. It is also an opportunity to advocate for increased investment in the nursing profession, improved working conditions and safety for nurses, workforce growth, and enhanced nursing education.
As we celebrate International Nurses Day 2024, let us recognize the vital influence nurses have on the field of healthcare and the profound impact they have on the lives of individuals and communities worldwide. By investing in nursing and respecting the rights of nurses, we can secure global health and create a brighter future for all.
