Florence Nightingale’s Birth Anniversary Celebrated as International Nurses Day

The date of celebration of International Nurses Day was chosen to celebrate Florence Nightingale's birth anniversary and her pioneering work in nursing and social reforms.

International Nurses Day is observed on May 12 annually to highlight the vital, life-saving contribution of nurses across the world.

Nurses provide essential healthcare, from assisting doctors to treating patients who are recovering or dying in hospitals or at home.

Florence Nightingale who was born on May 12, 1820, is celebrated as the founder of modern nursing.

This year is her 202nd birth anniversary. 

Florence provided vital support to British and allied soldiers during the Crimean War in Turkey.

The British newspaper, The Times reported that Florence was seen walking along the beds of wounded soldiers with a lamp in her hand, inspecting the men to see if they needed assistance.

“The lady with the Lamp.” 

Throughout her life, she campaigned for nursing reforms about sanitation and highlighted to her superiors the need for trained nurses and funds for better nursing facilities.