Apart from Mother's day 12th May also celebrates International Nurses Day. The day is observed on the anniversary of Florence Nightingale and also celebrates the contributions that nurses make to society. The day commemorates the work done by the nurses and their importance in society and healthcare. The birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale who was famous as manager and trainer of nurses during the Crimean War is celebrated on the 12th of May and it also highlights the importance of nurses all around the world. Florence Nightingale, also known as "The Lady with the Lamp" because she used to take rounds to check for the wounded soldiers at night has the organised intensive care for wounded soldiers. It's only after her that nursing received a favourable reputation.

History of International Nurses Day

The history of International Nurses Day dates back to 1965 when the International Council of Nurses (ICN) celebrated it for the first time. Dorothy Sutherland, an official with the US health department proposed the idea of this day to be celebrated in 1953. However, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, did not approve of celebrating "Nurses Day." Finally, in January 1974, the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale 12 May was chosen to celebrate International Nurses Day. The ICN gives away International Nurses' Day Kits for all the nurses around containing educational and public information materials.

Significance of International Nurses Day

The importance of nurses isn't very well-appreciated all over when, in fact, the nurses play a very crucial role in saving people's lives. They improve, protect and promote the health and well-being of the patients and help them heal. Whether it is a birth, death, emergency or any ongoing care, nurses play a very vital role. The day observes the importance of nurses and also lay the foundation of accessible care.

International Nurses Day

On International Nurses Day, go ahead and thank a nurse for doing what they do and for all the care they have given in their lives.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 11, 2019 07:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).