National Nurses Day

Kind-hearted nurse in scrubs, comforting a patient with a smile, hospital setting, stethoscope and medical equipment nearby.. — National nurses day illustration

When you're not feeling too chipper, who's always there to put a smile on your face and a Band-Aid on your boo-boos? It's a nurse, of course! And today, we're celebrating our kind-hearted healthcare heroes: National Nurses Day. Buckle up, everyone! We've got a heart-warming story to share!

When is Nurses Day?

It's national nurses day on the 6th May.

A Short History of National Nurses Day

Just like the best of medical mysteries, National Nurses Day has an intriguing backstory. In the US, a proposal to honour nurses was first made in 1953, but it was only in 1982 when a resolution was finally signed, marking May 6 as the official Nurses Day. Who knew it took more than watching a marathon of Grey's Anatomy to recognize these real-life superheroes, right?

Most Mentioned of National Nurses Day

With our meticulous tracking of the global chatter about National Nurses Day, we detected an impressive 49180 mentions online. And guess what? The wave of appreciation for nurses peaked on May 6, 2020. It seems the world was especially eager to give a virtual high five to nurses during those challenging pandemic times.

Why We Celebrate National Nurses Day

We celebrate National Nurses Day to honor these stars who can probably find a vein for an IV even in the dark. It's a day to recognise the endless nights, the soothing reassurances, and most importantly, the uneaten sandwiches in the break room that tell a tale of sudden emergencies. And let's not forget the medical jokes they share to light up the ward!

How to Celebrate National Nurses Day

Celebrate National Nurses Day by giving a shoutout to those in scrubs on your social media or perhaps, by delivering a batch of healthy snacks to the local hospital. And hey, if you're feeling particularly brave, you could even try learning to pronounce 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious' with a tongue depressor in your mouth, a skill these healthcare heroes have aced in their career!

History behind the term 'Nurses'

1860

Florence Nightingale and the Crimean War

During the Crimean War in the mid-19th century, a woman named Florence Nightingale revolutionized the nursing profession. In 1860, Nightingale established the Nightingale School of Nursing at St. Thomas' Hospital in London. This step marked the formal recognition of nursing as a profession and provided a structured education for those interested in entering the field.

1893

Linda Richards and the First Trained Nurse in the US

In 1893, Linda Richards became the first professionally trained nurse in the United States. She enrolled in the New England Hospital for Women and Children Training School for Nurses and received a diploma. Richards' achievement paved the way for the professionalization of nursing in the United States, inspiring others to seek formal training and education in the field.

1901

The Founding of the American Nurses Association

The American Nurses Association (ANA) was founded in 1901, marking an important milestone for the nursing profession in the United States. The ANA aimed to promote the rights and interests of nurses and elevate nursing standards nationwide. With its formation, nurses gained a collective voice and began advocating for improved working conditions, better education, and recognition of their contributions to healthcare.

1918

Spanish Flu Pandemic and Nurses' Heroic Efforts

The Spanish Flu pandemic, which occurred between 1918 and 1919, highlighted the crucial role of nurses in times of crisis. Nurses played a vital role in caring for the sick, often putting their own lives at risk. Their selflessness and dedication to patient care during this global health crisis solidified the importance of their profession and earned them widespread respect and admiration.

1945

Formation of the World Health Organization

In 1945, the World Health Organization (WHO) was established as a specialized agency of the United Nations. The WHO plays a crucial role in global healthcare and has greatly impacted the nursing profession. Through its programs and initiatives, the WHO has focused on improving nursing education, expanding access to healthcare, and advocating for nurses' rights and contributions worldwide.

Did you know?

The idea of National Nurses Day has roots back to 1953, but it only became an official day in 1982. That's almost 30 years of anticipation, talk about being patient!