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International Nurses Day 2025
International Nurses Day (held 12 May annually) is a chance to acknowledge the amazing work our highly skilled and committed nurses do day-in day-out to deliver excellent healthcare. The theme of 2025's International Nurses Day is "Our Nurses, Our Future. The economic power of care," highlighting the economic and societal benefits from investment in the nursing sector. Everyone who has connected with the health system will have experienced the manaakitanga that nurses provide.
Internationally, nurses and midwives account for nearly 50% of the health workforce. Of the 43.5 million health workers in the world, it is estimated that 20.7 million are nurses and midwives. In New Zealand there are now more than 69,000 nurses with practising certificates, which is 36% of the health workforce.
Over the past one hundred and twenty-five years in New Zealand, nurses have made a significant contribution to health services by providing direct patient care in a range of settings, advocating for patients and their families, promoting health and preventing disease, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals to improve patient outcomes. Nurses lead a wide range of organisations; they lead service delivery, and they provide complex, sensitive care and health teaching to people in all aspects of health and illness. The nursing contribution is unique because of its scale, the range of roles nurses undertake, and their adaptability and capacity to meeting changing health needs. Acknowledgement of this contribution is the focus of International Nurses Day each year.
In 1953, Dorothy Sutherland, a U.S. Department of Health employee, proposed a"Nurses' Day" to President Dwight D. Eisenhower, but he didn't approve this as a national acknowledgement. In the same year, the International Council of Nurses as an independent group proposed a dedicated day to honour nurses. It was not until 1974 however that the International Council of Nurses officially made May 12th International Nurses Day, encouraging national health systems to recognise this event.
International Nurses Day was first observed in 1974 to honour nurses' contribution to health systems across all nations. The date of May 12th was selected as the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth in 1820. Miss Nightingale was an English woman who has been described as the founder of modern nursing. Miss Nightingale came to prominence while serving as a manager and trainer of nurses during the Crimean War, in which she organised care for wounded soldiers at Constantinople. She significantly reduced death rates by improving hygiene and living standards. Whilst the contribution of other nurse leaders was significant to the development of the profession in Aotearoa New Zealand, most nurses acknowledge Florence Nightingale as having an influence on nursing in our country and worldwide.
Each year the International Council of Nurses (ICN) identifies the theme for the annual commemoration by each affiliated country. For International Nurses Day 2025, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) has chosen the theme "Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for nurses strengthens economies," recognising the vital role of a healthy nursing workforce in global health and economic wellbeing. The ICN will publish an IND report on May 12th, 2025, focusing on tangible, evidence-based solutions to enhance nurses' health and wellbeing.
The aim of this annual day is to highlight the important role nurses fulfil in health care, the role they play in society, and the contribution to health services outcomes. The day celebrates the contribution of nurses, promotes dialogue and action on gender equality, leadership, and innovation in nursing; and recognises the value that nurses bring to people around the world.
Examples of activities organised on the day include a range of appreciation events planned by nurse leaders, including nurse appreciation afternoon teas; special recognition awards for nurses e.g. nurse of the year; educational seminars are planned highlighting advancements in nursing practice; community outreach programs promoting health awareness; social media campaigns thank nurses; there are fundraising events for nursing scholarships, and nursing career fairs to attract potential nursing students and showcase the profession. There are donation drives for charities for the collection of funds or supplies to support organisations focused on nursing education and patient care.
Internationally, nurses and midwives account for nearly 50% of the health workforce. Of the 43.5 million health workers in the world, it is estimated that 20.7 million are nurses and midwives. In New Zealand there are now more than 69,000 nurses with practising certificates, which is 36% of the health workforce.