Why we celebrate International Nurses Day
"Caring for Nurses strengthens our economies..."
Today, we celebrate and appreciate one of the most selfless professions in the world, Nurses.
Happy International Nurses' Day to the heroes who stand behind the scenes and offer care and support to patients from all walks of life.
International Nurses Day is celebrated annually on May 12 and also marks the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the woman behind modern-day nursing.
Why are nurses celebrated on this day?
Nurses are often the only health professionals accessible to many people in their lifetime.
The National Department of Health describes nurses as the backbone of our healthcare system.
"Nurses serve as the main point of contact for patients and an important link between patients and the care they need. They also play a critical role in counselling and educating patients and their families about their health conditions, available treatment plans, and self-care strategies", says the department's spokesperson, Foster Mohale.
It's evident that nurses play a vital role on a global scale in managing the healthcare ecosystem. Still, they are also representatives of the care, love, and nurture that are often overlooked in the healing process.
Nurses are on the front lines of our healthcare system, often bearing the brunt of challenging conditions. Dedicating a day to honour and appreciate them is not only warranted, but also deserved.
This year's theme for International Nurses Day is Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for nurses strengthens economies.
Pace Hospital reveals the reason behind this year's theme, explaining that it highlights how crucial it is to promote nurses' health and wellness.
"It emphasises how important a healthy nursing workforce is for providing high-quality care, improving healthcare systems, and increasing economic resilience on a global scale," the healthcare provider says.
The World Health Organization (WHO) best articulated this in its social media post honouring International Nurses' Day: "When nurses are supported, everyone thrives."
There is a projected 4 million nurse shortage by 2030. This day may be many things, but it highlights how showing our nursing community love, appreciation, and validation can help us curb a dire future.
In South Africa, nurses continue to face numerous challenges, including incidents of abuse. This is why the South African Government is appealing to all citizens to join hands in creating safer healthcare environments where nurses can care for the sick without fear of becoming victims of crime.
Danny Guselli will be opening the lines to shout-outs today to honour and celebrate International Nurses' Day. Listen in to share the love for all our South African nurses working locally and abroad.
On #InternationalNursesDay, we honour the 30 million nurses who are the heart of health systems worldwide.
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) May 11, 2025
From emergency response to long-term care, from birth to end-of-life, nurses are everywhere health happens.
WHO urges accelerated investments to avoid a projected 4… pic.twitter.com/elLUwgzhI1
Read more: Unemployed KZN doctors protest over jobs
The next time you encounter a nurse, remember that while you might think being a healthcare professional is just like any other profession, it's much more.
Caring for someone's health comes with a host of responsibilities. If you can, please be sure to practice patience and appreciation when encountering healthcare professionals.
Happy International Nurses' Day to all our healthcare workers. You are valued, you are appreciated, and you are irreplaceable.
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