International Nurses Day 2025, Honoring the Backbone of Healthcare

Every year on May 12th, the world comes together to celebrate International Nurses Day (IND), a tribute to the unwavering dedication, compassion, and professionalism of nurses. In 2025, this day holds even greater significance as we acknowledge the pivotal role nurses play in strengthening healthcare systems and economies worldwide.

International Nurses Day 2025: Overview

The Key Highlights regarding the International Nurses Day 2025 is tabulated below:

The Origins of International Nurses Day

International Nurses Day is observed on May 12 to commemorate the birth of Florence Nightingale in 1820. Known as the “Lady with the Lamp,” Nightingale revolutionized nursing during the Crimean War and laid the foundation for modern nursing practices. Her emphasis on hygiene, patient care, and data-driven approaches transformed healthcare and continues to inspire nurses worldwide.

“I attribute my success to this—I never gave or took any excuse.”
— Florence Nightingale

History of International Nurses Day

The idea of dedicating a day to honor nurses was first proposed in 1953 by Dorothy Sutherland of the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. However, it wasn’t until 1965 that the International Council of Nurses (ICN) began celebrating this day. In 1974, May 12 was officially designated as International Nurses Day, aligning with Nightingale’s birthday.

“Nurses dispense comfort, compassion, and caring without even a prescription.”
— Val Saintsbury

International Nurses Day 2025: Theme

The ICN has announced the theme for International Nurses Day 2025 as:

“Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for nurses strengthens economies.”

This theme underscores the critical role nurses play not only in healthcare but also in the economic resilience of nations. By investing in the well-being of nurses, we ensure the stability and efficiency of health systems, leading to stronger economies.

“Nurses are the heart of healthcare.”
— Donna Wilk Cardillo

The Growing Importance of Nurses

The significance of nurses has been increasingly recognized, especially in the wake of global health challenges. Their role extends beyond patient care to include health education, policy advocacy, and community outreach.

Notable Nurses and Their Contributions

Nurses throughout history have not only served at the bedside but also helped shape healthcare systems, policies, and education. Their dedication has led to major reforms in public health and patient care practices. Here are some renowned nurses from around the world, including India, who have left a lasting legacy through their remarkable service.

International Nurses

Photograph	Name	Country	Contribution
	Florence Nightingale	United Kingdom	Founder of modern nursing; improved sanitation in military hospitals
	Clara Barton	United States	Founder of the American Red Cross; cared for soldiers during the Civil War
	Mary Seacole	Jamaica/UK	Treated soldiers during the Crimean War; overcame racial and gender barriers
	Edith Cavell	United Kingdom	Cared for wounded soldiers during WWI; executed for helping Allied troops
	Margaret Sanger	United States	Advocate for women’s reproductive rights and nursing education

“Let us never consider ourselves finished nurses… we must be learning all of our lives.”
— Florence Nightingale

Indian Nurses

Photograph	Name	Contribution
NA	T. N. Agnese	One of the first Indian nurses trained in the British era
	Lini Puthussery	Sacrificed her life during the Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala (2018)
	K. K. Shailaja (Nurse turned Health Minister)	Played a major role in Kerala’s early COVID-19 containment
	Captain Ruchi Sharma	Indian Army nurse; served bravely in military hospitals, India’s first female Paratrooper.
NA	Sister Jyoti Jena	Provided critical care to underserved tribal communities in Odisha

“When we serve with compassion, we uplift more than bodies — we heal communities.”
— Unknown