International Nurses' Day is celebrated around the world each year on 12 May, the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth. This year in particular it was an extra special occasion because not only does it fall during International Year of the Nurse and Midwife, it also marked the 200th anniversary of Nightingale’s birth.
Ordinarily this would be a time for mass celebration, but as nursing staff across the world stand united in responding to the global COVID-19 pandemic, we must use Nurses' Day to shine a light on the remarkable work all health and care staff are doing for the entire nation.
That’s why we asked the public and patients to say thank you to nursing staff everywhere to show our members and their colleagues how their professionalism is truly appreciated.