International Nurses Day (IND) is celebrated worldwide every 12 May to ensure that the invaluable contributions of nurses to the health of people globally are remembered and recognised.
When did International Nurses Day begin?
IND has been celebrated by the International Council of Nurses (ICN) since 1965. However, it wasn’t until 1974 when 12 May was chosen to celebrate this day, coinciding with the anniversary of the birth of nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale.
What’s this year’s theme?
‘Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for nurses strengthens economies‘.
Building on the success of the 2024 IND theme, ‘The Economic Power of Care’, which demonstrated how strategic investment in nursing can bring significant economic and societal benefits, the 2025 theme shifts focus to the health and wellbeing of nurses – to support them in their daily lives and improve their overall long-term health.
Dr Pamela Cipriano (ICN President) said, “For 2025, we are highlighting the importance of supporting the health and wellbeing of nurses, who are vital to the functioning of health systems globally. Nurses face numerous challenges: physical, mental, emotional and ethical, and it is imperative that we address these challenges in a way that promotes their overall health.”
Countries around the world celebrate IND in their own ways. In the UK, an annual service is held each year at Westminster Abbey London, where a symbolic lamp is passed between nurses until it reaches the Nurses’ Chapel in the Abbey and is placed on the High Altar. This symbolises the passing of knowledge from one nurse to another.
For Spectrum, IND is an extra chance to celebrate our fabulous nurses in 30+ sites across the North.
At the bottom of this page, you can click to read a message from our Executive Director of Nursing and Quality, Angela.
Finally, with IND 2025 coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Week (held from 12-18 May), the focus on the overall health and mental wellbeing of nurses is more crucial than ever.
We’re shining a spotlight on a Spectrum colleague who took on the London Marathon 2025. Not only did Mari – our Head of Nursing & Clinical Effectiveness Lead – raise a fantastic amount for charity, but she also discovered a new found love for long-distance running and the positive benefits it can have on her mental health. To read her full story, please click the bottom right button.
Throughout the week, staff at Spectrum will be taking part in our annual step challenge to get moving for mental wellbeing; Walk This May, Talk This May will crown an individual winner once all steps of participants are tallied up. Our Head of Experience Agnes will also be hosting online mindfulness sessions, promoting meditation and present moment awareness, to reduce stress. Over at our head office, colleagues Sue & Tamzin will be providing a Tea & Talk Trolley, and as always Spectrum’s Mental Health First Aiders will be on hand to lend their support for anyone that needs it.