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International Nurses Week is an annual event that has been celebrated worldwide since 1974 from May 6th to May 12th each year. This week-long event is dedicated to honouring and recognising the contributions and sacrifices made by nurses worldwide. It is a time to celebrate the essential role that nurses play in healthcare and to raise awareness of the challenges and sacrifices they face in their daily work.
The primary objective of International Nurses Week is to highlight the vital role that nurses play in healthcare and to celebrate their dedication and hard work. It provides an opportunity for healthcare organisations, communities, and individuals to express their appreciation for the invaluable work that nurses do every day. During this week, various events and activities are organised to honour nurses and to highlight their contributions to society.
International Nurses Week was established in 1974 to coincide with Florence Nightingale's birthday, who is widely considered the founder of modern nursing. Florence Nightingale was born on May 12, 1820, and dedicated her life to caring for wounded soldiers during the Crimean War. Her commitment and dedication to her work became an inspiration to nurses worldwide, and that is why her birthday is celebrated as International Nurses Day.
In Ireland, International Nurses Week is typically marked by various activities, including conferences, seminars, awards ceremonies, and social events. These events provide an opportunity for nurses to come together, share their experiences, and learn from one another. It is also a time for the public to express their gratitude to nurses and to show their support for the nursing profession.
The theme for International Nurses Week 2023 is Our Nurses. Our Future., which sets out what nurses want for nursing in the future in order to address the global health challenges and improve global health for all. Nurses want to learn from the lessons of the pandemic and translate these into actions for the future.
With the release of the State of the World’s Nursing report, the Global Strategic Directions for Nursing & Midwifery, the Sustain and Retain in 2022 and Beyond, and many other essential publications, ICN and other organisations have shown the evidence for change and called for action. It is now time to look to the future and demonstrate what these investments will mean for nursing and healthcare. Our Nurses. Our Future. campaign will shine the light on nurses and a brighter future.
Nurses worldwide have been the backbone of healthcare systems, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have worked tirelessly to care for patients and communities affected by the virus. They have put their lives at risk to save others, and many have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. It is essential to acknowledge the incredible work that nurses have done during the pandemic and beyond.
