May 12 marks the International Nurses and Midwives Day every year. The nurses are the pillars of the healthcare system and thus need immense respect along with the doctors. They provide the medicines and injections to the patients, even helping the doctors and taking complete care of the patients. The work they do is no less than a doctor, and doctors and nurses coexist to run the healthcare system. Whenever we speak of nurses, the first names that come up are Florence Nightingale and Fatu Kekula. These two belonged from different time zones but got into the limelight due to their works. Some so many other nurses have remained unsung. Thus, this is the day to celebrate all of them.
The history behind the day:
May 12 is the birth anniversary of the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale. This day was started in 1965 by the ICN (International Council of Nurses). Nightingale and her social and statistical views and nursing ways came into public attention during the Crimean War. She became a celebrated lady during the victorian era for her methods. Dorothy Sutherland of the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare was the first to propose the day in honor of Florence Nightingale and all the other nurses and midwives. The proposal got rejected at that time but came into existence after 20 years of the proposal. On this day, the ICN provides essential information and resources related to nursing every year.
The theme this year:
According to financialexpress.com and India today, nurses have played a significant role in providing emergency care during the pandemic. They have not for once declined from their responsibilities and have worked tirelessly to heal the patients, standing hands in hand with the doctors and the other members of the healthcare system. The theme of this year’s nurses’ day is “A Voice to Lead-A Vision for Future Healthcare.” This theme focuses on the diverse roles the nurses have played and are still playing during the COVID pandemic. They are the voices on which the healthcare system relies on and respecting their position is the vision we need to take for the future. So, let us celebrate the day and show tribute to these nurses who are selfless enough to care for the patients even after getting very little respect at the end of the day.
