May 12: International Nurses Day

International Nurses Day is celebrated around the world every May 12, the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth. ICN commemorates this important day each year with the production and distribution of the International Nurses’ Day (IND) resources and evidence.

The theme for 2021 is Nurses: A Voice to Lead – A vision for future healthcare.

The Covid-19 pandemic is a stark reminder of the vital role nurses play. Without nurses and other health workers, we will not win the battle against outbreaks, we will not achieve the Sustainable Development Goals or universal health coverage.

As we mark this, day, we urge countries to ensure:

• the occupational safety and health of nurses and all health workers, including notably, unhindered access to personal protective equipment so they can safely provide care and reduce infections in health care settings.
• nurses and all health care workers have access to mental health support, timely pay, sick leave, and insurance; as well as access to the most up-to-date knowledge and guidance required to respond to all health needs, including outbreaks.
• nurses are given the financial support and other resources required to help respond to and control COVID-19 and future outbreaks.

It noted that 2020 celebrations will be “extra special” because 2020 has been designated the Year of the Nurse and Midwife, to coincide with the 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth.