International Nurses Day (May 12): Honoring Florence Nightingale

May 12 marks Florence Nightingale’s birth (1820, Florence, Italy)—founder of modern nursing.

Why This Date?

• Nightingale’s Crimean War work established nursing as a profession.
• She pioneered sanitation, data‑driven care, nurse education.
• ICN designated her birthday as International Nurses Day in 1974.

Annual Theme

Each year highlights a priority (e.g., “Nurses: A Voice to Lead,” “Invest in Nursing”). Global events, awards, advocacy campaigns.

Legacy

Nightingale’s principles—hygiene, observation, advocacy, evidence—remain nursing’s core.