‘Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for nurses strengthens economies’
Posted 6 days ago by Carlene Ferrier
Happy International Nurses Day 2025!
International Nuses Day is a global celebration held annually on May 12 to honor the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. The day highlights the indispensable contributions of nurses to the healthcare system and raises awareness about the challenges they face. In 2025, the theme emphasizes the economic and societal importance of investing in nurses.
The theme for International Nurses Day 2025 is “Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for nurses strengthens economies.” This theme reflects the growing recognition of the vital role nurses play in healthcare systems and the broader economy. Nurses are the backbone of healthcare, and their physical and mental well-being directly influences patient outcomes and healthcare quality.
The theme stresses:
Promoting Nurses’ Health and Well-Being: Ensuring that nurses are healthy and supported is fundamental for maintaining a strong healthcare workforce.
Building Stronger Healthcare Systems: Healthy nurses contribute to more effective care, leading to improved healthcare outcomes for all.
Strengthening Global Economies: A robust nursing workforce strengthens the healthcare system, which in turn boosts the economy by reducing healthcare costs and improving productivity.
History of International Nurses Day
International Nurses Day was first proposed in 1953 by Dorothy Sutherland, a representative from the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. She suggested to President Dwight D. Eisenhower that the United States declare a Nurses’ Day to honor their contributions to healthcare. Although the proposal was not accepted, it marked the beginning of the movement to celebrate nurses.
In 1965, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) officially established International Nurses Day, and the date was fixed to coincide with Florence Nightingale’s birthday, May 12. Florence Nightingale is widely recognized as the pioneer of modern nursing, and her contributions to healthcare continue to inspire the nursing profession globally.
Since then, International Nurses Day has become an annual event observed in numerous countries around the world, celebrating nurses’ contributions to public health and encouraging better working conditions, training, and support.
International Nurses Day is a momentous occasion for several reasons:
Honoring Nurses’ Contributions: Nurses play a crucial role in healthcare systems worldwide. Their compassion, expertise, and hard work ensure that patients receive the best care possible. This day celebrates their dedication and raises awareness about their contribution to global health.
Raising Awareness on Nurses’ Issues: The day brings attention to challenges faced by nurses, including workplace stress, burnout, and lack of resources. It calls for addressing these issues through better working conditions, support systems, and adequate compensation.
Promoting Nurse Education: Nurses’ continued professional development is vital for improving healthcare quality. International Nurses Day advocates for better nursing education and training to prepare nurses for the evolving challenges of modern healthcare.
Global Healthcare Impact: Nurses are not just caregivers; they are educators, leaders, and advocates for public health. This day serves as a reminder of how nurses improve community health outcomes and contribute to economic resilience by ensuring quality care.
Symbolic Lamp Lighting: A central feature of International Nurses Day is the lamp lighting ceremony, inspired by Florence Nightingale’s nightly rounds with a lamp during the Crimean War. This symbol represents the illumination of hope and care that nurses provide to patients in times of need.
International Nurses Day 2025: Theme, History, Significance, and Celebrations