To Nurses Everywhere — Thank You

On this International Nurses Day, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to every nurse across the globe. Whether you work in bustling urban hospitals or rural outreach clinics, in aged care homes or emergency departments, in public health, education, research, or humanitarian missions — your care, courage, and commitment do not go unnoticed.

International Nurses Day is celebrated globally each year on May 12, marking the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale (1820–1910), the pioneer of modern nursing. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the essential role nurses play in healthcare systems around the world. Whether in hospitals, communities, aged care, schools, disaster zones, or intensive care units, nurses provide skilled, compassionate, and often life-saving care to people during some of the most vulnerable and critical moments of their lives.

International Nurses Day is also an opportunity to advocate for better working conditions, professional recognition, and ongoing education for nurses. It encourages reflection on the challenges facing the profession and celebrates the resilience, commitment, and innovation nurses bring to their work every day.

On 12th May 2025, International Nurses’ Day, the World Health Organization will launch its second State of the World’s Nursing (SoWN) report [details here].

Helpful Resources:

International Council of Nurses (ICN) – The global voice of nursing, the ICN coordinates International Nurses Day and publishes an annual theme and resources.

Nursing Now Campaign (by WHO and ICN) – A global campaign to raise the status and profile of nursing.

World Health Organization (WHO) – Nursing and Midwifery – Offers data, reports, and policy guidance on the global nursing workforce.

Nursing Education Network. (2016). Visualisation & Statistics by Florence.