International Nurses Day (IND) is observed annually on 12 May, marking the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. The day honours the invaluable contributions of nurses to healthcare systems and communities worldwide.
About International Nurses Day (IND) 2025
- Organised by: International Council of Nurses (ICN)
- 2025 Theme:“Our Nurses, Our Future: Caring for nurses strengthens economies”
- Highlights the interconnection between nurses’ well-being and economic strength
- Emphasises that investing in nurses leads to:
- Better health outcomes
- Stronger healthcare systems
- Overall economic growth
Significance of 2025 Theme
- Recognises nurses as pillars of global health systems
- Advocates for:
- Supportive work environments
- Professional development
- Physical and mental well-being
- Asserts that a healthy nursing workforce contributes directly to:
- Economic development
- Improved community health
- Strengthened public healthcare resilience
Background and Historical Context
| Event | Details |
| First Proposed | 1953 by Dorothy Sutherland (US Dept. of Health, Education and Welfare) |
| Initial Approval | Proposal not approved by President Dwight D. Eisenhower |
| Officially Celebrated Since | 1965 by the International Council of Nurses (ICN) |
| Date Finalised | 1974 – Chosen as 12 May (Florence Nightingale’s birth anniversary) |
| Founder of Modern Nursing | Florence Nightingale |
| Annual IND Kits | Distributed by ICN for education and awareness worldwide |
| Related Observance in the US | National Student Nurses’ Day on 8 May (since 1998) |