Commemorating birth of ‘Lady with the Lamp’
May 12 is observed as International Nurses Day (IND) as the philosopher of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale, was born in Italy on this day in 1820.
Basically a social reformer and statistician, Florence Nightingale was also known as ‘The Lady with the Lamp’ for her dedicated service as in-charge of nursing British and Allied soldiers in Turkey during the Crimean War.
“As she used to spend many hours in the wards and night rounds, giving extra personal care to the wounded, her patients started calling her the ‘Lady with the Lamp’. She was also known for formalising nursing education and establishment of the first scientifically-based nursing school, the Nightingale School of Nursing, at St Thomas Hospital in London (1860),” said Priya Maudgil, a senior nurse of the region.
Florence was the first woman awarded the Order of Merit (1907) and the world commemorates her birth to celebrate the important role of nurses in healthcare on May 12. Florence Nightingale died on August 13, 1910.
Undeniably critical for the functioning, sustainability and economic health of the medical care industry, nursing has since been identified as the backbone of patient care, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis, providing direct support to beneficiaries and crucial link between patients, attendants, doctors and other healthcare professionals. Nurses are also vital for promoting patient safety, coordinating care and advocating for patient’s comforts and needs.
Though the International Nurses Day was formally established by the International Council of Nurses (ICN) in 1965, the proposal was not accepted then. Florence Nightingale’s legacy and significance of the nursing profession globally were endorsed in 1974 when May 12, coinciding her birthday, was selected as the International Nurses Day. With ceremonies, educational events and promotional campaigns which bring nurses, medical organisations, governments and communities together, the IND has swelled up over the years to become a global event.
With a lamp becoming the timeless emblem of IND, influenced by Florence Nightingale’s rounds in wards amid darkness of nights during the Crimean War, organisers in several nations honour her legacy and the commitment of nurses worldwide with a periodic ‘Lamp Lighting ceremony’.
Every year, the ICN chooses a theme for the IND that focuses on the important issues impacting nurses and healthcare systems across the world.
This year’s theme, ‘Our Nurses Our Future– Caring for Nurses Strengthens Economies’, highlights the role of nursing profession in strengthening the economy of an individual, organisation and a nation by strengthening healthcare systems, ultimately influencing sustenance of all concerned.
Prioritising the welfare of nurses and recognising their vital role in strengthening healthcare systems and economies is the main focus of ICN this year.
Mahesh Sharma
Features