International Nurses Day 2020: History, significance & theme

May 12th is observed as International Nurses Day. International Nurses Day is organised every year to celebrate Florence Nightingale’s birth anniversary.

The theme for International Nurses Day 2020 is "Nursing the World to Health".

According to the official website of WHO, on the occasion of the International Day of the Nurse and the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, the organization has joined hundreds of partners worldwide to highlight the importance of nurses in the healthcare continuum and thank nurses for what they do. 

This year’s celebrations will be extra special because the World Health Organization (WHO) has designated 2020 as The Year of the Nurse and Midwife, to make the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale.

As per the WHO website, 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.

In 1953 Dorothy Sutherland, an official with the US Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, proposed that President Dwight D Eisenhower proclaim a "Nurses' Day"; but the request was turned down. 

The International Council of Nurses (ICN) - on its part - has celebrated this day since 1965. 

In January 1974, 12 May was chosen to celebrate the day as it is the anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.

Few quotes for International Nurse Day...

• "Nurse: just another word to describe a person strong enough to tolerate anything and soft enough to understand anyone."
• "I attribute my success to this; I never gave nor took any excuse." —Florence Nightingale 
• Thank you so much for bringing hope into this hopeless world and nursing the infected society with your love and care. Happy Nurses Day!
• I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the kindness, empathy, and endless love! Happy Nurse Day 2020!
• Happy nurses day to all the wonderful nurses of the world! The dedication you show towards your job is marvellous and praiseworthy. Have a nice day!
• Dear, the way you have vowed to nurture the world with your empathy, kindness, and humanity is beyond all the praises! Happy Nurses Day!