Celebrated annually on May 12th, International Nurses Day is a holiday recognizing and acknowledging one of the most trusted and honored professions, nurses. For an impressive 20-year running, nursing was rated as the most trusted profession once again in 2021, according to a Gallup poll. Nurses play a key role in all healthcare institutions, and without nurses, the quality of healthcare would significantly decline.
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History of International Nurses Day
The 12th of May is the birth date of Florence Nightingale, a British nurse considered a pioneer of nursing. In 1854, the Crimean War began, and the British were unprepared to deal with a large number of sick and injured soldiers. There was a lack of medical supplies, overcrowding, and unsanitary conditions. The Secretary of War, Sidney Herbert, a friend of Nightingales, asked her if she could manage a group of nurses to treat the wounded soldiers. Nightingale agreed, and on November 4, 1854, she and 38 nurses arrived at the British camp.
The nurses brought medical supplies, fruits, and sanitation, and they also provided individual care and support. With this kind of work, the mortality rate decreased from 60% to 42% and then to 2.2%. Nightingale was known for carrying a lamp every night to check on soldiers, which is how she got the name “the Lady with the Lamp.”
Nightingale returned from the war, and she continued to improve the conditions of hospitals. Because of her efforts and the results of the war, a fund was set up for her to continue teaching nurses in England. In 1860, she opened the Nightingale Training School at St. Thomas Hospital. Nightingale died on August 13, 1910, at the age of 90, but her legacy continues.
Celebrating International Nurses Day
International Nurses Day has been created so that we can pay tribute to all nurses around the world for the incredible work they do. You can show your appreciation by just simply volunteering, donating, or even surprising your favorite nurse with a small gift. But whatever you decide, just know that it doesn’t have to be grand or expensive, just simply saying thank you will make a difference.
At OnSite Health we appreciate our on-site nurses for their contributions and hard work. OnSite Health provides customized health care and nursing services to employers nationally in all major industries, to learn more about our services and on-site nursing program, contact a member of our team today.
