Modern nurses wear many hats. They are educators, researchers, community leaders, and public health advocates. Photograph used for representational purposes only
| Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
Nurses Day is celebrated to honour the invaluable contributions of nurses to healthcare and society. It recognizes their dedication, compassion, and the critical role they play in patient care, often under challenging circumstances.
International Nurses Day is observed every year on May 12 to mark the birthday of Florence Nightingale (born in 1820), who is considered to be the founder of modern nursing. Her pioneering work during the Crimean War laid the foundation for professional nursing practices and standards that continue to shape the field today. More than a historic remembrance, this day is a global celebration of the compassion, commitment, and courage of nurses—those who are always on the frontlines of care.
The day also serves as a reminder of the essential role nurses play in improving health outcomes and maintaining the well-being of individuals and communities worldwide.
Unsung heroes
Nurses are often the unsung heroes of healthcare. They are the steady hands in emergencies, the comforting voice in moments of fear, and the lifeline for patients across every age and background. Whether in bustling hospitals, remote rural clinics, or in crisis zones, their presence means everything.
‘Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for nurses strengthens economies’: This theme, announced by the International Council of Nurses (ICN), emphasises the critical importance of supporting the health and well-being of nurses. It highlights how a healthy and secure nursing workforce is essential not only for effective healthcare delivery, but also for strengthening economies and improving health systems globally
The focus of this year’s theme is to address the physical, mental, emotional, and ethical challenges faced by nurses. By prioritising their well-being, the ICN aims to ensure that nurses can continue to provide high-quality care that is vital to the health of communities.
When nurses are trained, equipped, and supported, entire communities become healthier and more resilient. Investment in nursing leads to reduced healthcare costs, faster recoveries, and stronger public health outcomes. In short, the economic and social value of nursing goes far beyond what we see at the bedside.
The many roles of today’s nurses
Modern nurses wear many hats. They are educators, researchers, community leaders, and public health advocates. They guide new mothers, care for the elderly, support mental health, and respond to emergencies. Some specialise in intensive care, paediatrics, or surgery, while others work in health policy or technological innovation.
In many developing regions, nurses are the first—and sometimes the only—healthcare providers people can access. Their ability to provide quality care under challenging circumstances speaks volumes about their training, adaptability, and heart.
Despite their essential role, nurses often face difficult conditions: long hours, staff shortages, limited resources, and emotional stress. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed just how stretched and undervalued the global nursing workforce can be.
Improving nurse-to-patient ratios, increasing wages, offering mental health support, and providing professional development are just a few of the ways societies can show meaningful appreciation.
How you can make a difference
Say thank you: A simple message of gratitude can go a long way.
Support better conditions: Advocate for healthcare policies that benefit nurses.
Celebrate locally: Organize or attend events in your community to honour local nurses.
If you know a nurse—send them a message, post on social media, or write a note of thanks. If you’re a business, institution, or policymaker, consider how your decisions can uplift the people who take care of us all.
International Nurses Day is more than a celebration -it is a call to action. Let us not only thank our nurses today but also ensure they have the recognition, respect, and resources they need every day of the year.
Because when nurses are cared for, we all are.
(Vidhya P. is Assistant Nursing Officer at Naruvi Hospitals, Vellore. [email protected])
Published – May 12, 2025 02:14 pm IST