Each year on 12 May, the birthdate of nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale, we celebrate nurses and their vital contributions to the health and wellbeing of our communities.
International Nurses Day (IND) is a moment for nurses to pause, reflect on their remarkable impact, and celebrate being a part of the profession they love.
In the lead-up to IND, we have curated five ways to celebrate and acknowledge your special day.
1. Host an ACN National Nurses Breakfast
Nurses around the country get together each year to hold ACN National Nurses Breakfast events. The events provide an opportunity to take a break during your busy day, connect with colleagues and celebrate all things nursing. Register for an ACN National Nurses Breakfast host kit to receive a pack full of goodies, including tea towels, magnets, napkins, and placemats, to help you create a memorable event.
2. Attend an ACN Region event
ACN Regions around the country will be organising special networking events to mark the occasion, such as the ACT Region National Nurses Breakfast and the International Nurses Day Darling Downs Region event. Coming along to a Region event is a great way to celebrate with fellow nurses while making invaluable professional connections and having stimulating discussions.
3. Share that you are proud to be a nurse
IND is the ideal occasion to share your pride in your profession and showcase what it means to be a nurse. Consider sharing a post on social media to let your friends and family know about IND and share some insights about your experience as a nurse. This is a great way to generate more awareness of the diversity of nursing roles and create a more positive image for our profession!
4. Share some love with a colleague
There is no better time than IND to show your appreciation for a colleague who has made an impact on your career! Send them a message wishing them a happy International Nurses Day and let them know how valued they are. You can also use our NurseStrong Random Acts of Kindness cards or Inspographics to brighten their day.
5. Treat yourself
Last but certainly not least, take a moment to indulge in some well-deserved self-care. Whether it’s carving out time to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee on IND, scheduling a relaxing massage to look forward to on a later date, or drawing inspiration from our curated self-care tips, make sure to plan an activity that brings you joy.
As International Nurses Day approaches, let us remember that it’s more than just a day on the calendar; it’s a reflection of the value, skills and experience nurses add to health care. The suggestions we have provided are only starting points to celebrate, reflect, and rejuvenate. Yet, the essence of IND lies in recognising the profound impact nurses have on individual lives, families, and communities worldwide. However you choose to spend the day, we hope it makes you feel valued and proud to be a part of the best profession!
