The International Council of Nurses has celebrated this day since 1965. In January 1974 the 12th May was chosen to celebrate the day as it is the anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. Each year the ICN prepares and distributes the International Nurses’ Day Kit, which contains educational and public information materials. Each year there is a theme, this years is Our Nurses. Our Future, Empowered Nurses Save Lives.
Each year a service is held in Westminster Abbey in London. During the service, a symbolic lamp is taken from the Nurses’ Chapel in the Abbey and handed from one nurse to another, then to the Dean who places it on the High Altar.
The website for the day is here.
Holidays & Special Events 