Today is International Nurse Day. It is observed around the world to honour the contribution of nurses to society and acknowledge the role they play in the overall healthcare system. Nurses play a crucial role in providing medical care and their role during COVID-19 has inspired humankind.

Nurses have a long and rich history of serving humanity with compassion and professionalism. The origins of Nurse Day can be traced back to the 19th century, when Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, led a team of nurses to treat wounded soldiers during the Crimean War. Her birthday, May 12, was chosen as the date to honor nurses worldwide.

Florence Nightingale also known as “The Lady With the Lamp,” was a British nurse, social reformer and statistician best known as the founder of modern nursing. She was the founder of St. Thomas’s Hospital and the Nightingale Training School for Nurses in 1860.

The International Council of Nurses (ICN), a federation of more than 130 national nurses’ associations, celebrated International Nurses Day for the first time in 1965. Every year, a different component of nursing or the healthcare system is highlighted through the theme of International Nurses Day. This year, the theme of International Nurses Day 2023 is “Our Nurses. Our Future.”

Nurse Day is also an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges and issues that nurses face in their work. Nurses often have to deal with long hours, heavy workloads, low pay, and a lack of resources and recognition. They also face physical and mental stress, burnout, and violence in some settings. These factors affect not only their well-being but also their ability to provide quality care.

Therefore, on this Nurse Day, let us show our gratitude and respect to all the nurses who make a difference in our lives and communities. Let us also support their demands for better working conditions, safety, and professional development. Let us recognize that nurses are not only caregivers, but also leaders, innovators, and advocates for health and human rights.

Let us celebrate Nurse Day by saying thank you to a nurse today. I along with our Medibriefcase team want to appreciate your dedication towards keeping people healthy. Happy International Nurses Day.