International Nurses Day (IND) is celebrated globally every year on May 12, marking the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth. This significant occasion is organized by the International Council of Nurses (ICN) to recognize nurses' invaluable contributions and highlight their critical role in healthcare systems worldwide. Each year, ICN commemorates this day by producing and distributing IND resources and evidence to raise awareness about the challenges and triumphs in the nursing profession.
IND 2021 Theme: Nurses: A Voice to Lead – A Vision for Future Healthcare
The theme for IND 2021 was “Nurses: A Voice to Lead – A Vision for Future Healthcare.” This theme emphasized the importance of empowering nurses to shape the future of healthcare by reflecting on lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic and envisioning a more innovative, resilient, and patient-centered healthcare system. The focus was on how nursing will evolve in the coming years and the transformative impact nurses will have in advancing healthcare delivery worldwide.
IND 2021 Resources and Reports
As part of the 100-day countdown to International Nurses Day on May 12, ICN released a range of essential resources to support the IND 2021 theme. These resources included:
IND 2021 Factsheet (Released on 3 February 2021): A comprehensive report on COVID-19 infections and deaths among nurses and other healthcare workers. This factsheet highlighted the risks faced by healthcare professionals during the pandemic and underscored the need for stronger protections and support for frontline workers.
IND 2021 Report: This detailed report, “Nurses: A Voice to Lead – A Vision for Future Healthcare,” showcased case studies, research, and testimonials from nurses around the globe, providing insights into how nurses are driving change and influencing healthcare reforms in their respective countries.
IND 2021 Photo Contest: Celebrating Nurses Through Imagery
To celebrate nurses' dedication and resilience, ICN organized the IND 2021 Photo Contest, inviting nurses worldwide to share powerful images that captured their experiences, challenges, and triumphs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you to everyone who submitted their photos! The winners were selected, and the results can be viewed here. These inspiring images served as a visual testament to the courage and compassion exhibited by nurses across the globe.
Case Study Submissions: Sharing Stories of Impact and Innovation
As part of the IND 2021 celebrations, ICN invited nurses to submit case studies showcasing their work, innovations, and experiences during the pandemic. While submissions for the IND 2021 report are now closed, there is still an opportunity to contribute to the 2021 weekly IND case studies. If you would like to share your story of working through COVID-19 or highlight your innovative contributions to nursing, please refer to the guidelines and template provided here. Submissions, along with high-resolution photos, can be sent to [email protected].
Looking Ahead: Building a Brighter Future for Nursing
International Nurses Day is an opportunity to celebrate and honor nurses and a platform to inspire future leaders in healthcare. Through initiatives like IND, ICN continues to advocate for the recognition, protection, and empowerment of nurses, ensuring their voices are heard as they shape the future of global healthcare.
Mary Watson
