International Nurses Day: Honoring nurses around the world

Each year, people around the world celebrate and honor the dedicated and devoted men and women who care for us when we need it most – nurses! May 12 is International Nurses Day (IND), an annual event observed on the anniversary of the birthday of the visionary nurse, Florence Nightingale.

Each year, people around the world celebrate and honor the dedicated and devoted men and women who care for us when we need it most – nurses! May 12 is International Nurses Day (IND), an annual event observed on the anniversary of the birthday of the visionary nurse, Florence Nightingale.

Florence Nightingale was one of the most influential women of her time. Born in Italy on May 12, 1820, she was the daughter of a wealthy landowner. She went on to become a nurse. During her nursing career, “The Lady with the Lamp” helped care for thousands of injured and sick soldiers during the Crimean War. In her later years, she went blind and became a “complete invalid.” Ironically, Nightingale required full-time nursing until she died in London in 1910. Florence Nightingale was 90 years old.

Nurses serve as the backbone of the health care system. Because nurses play such a critical role in our lives, United States President Richard Nixon proclaimed a week-long event to honor nurses – National Nurse Week. IND ends the week-long celebration.

All sorts of educational workshops, seminars and fun activities take place in honor of the event. Besides honoring nurses’ commitment to the health care profession, the event also helps shine the spotlight on nursing as a potential career.

Thanks to the hard-working nursing community for your dedicated service and compassionate care.

May 12 is also National Limerick Day!