Today is International Nurses Day 2022 - best quotes and this year’s theme explained

But when does it take place, what is this year’s theme and what are the best quotes to mark the event?

People around the globe come together to celebrate the lives and work of nurses, with online events, social media campaigns and a different theme each year.

In January 1974, 12 May was chosen as the date to celebrate the occasion due to it being the same date as the birth of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.

What is this year’s theme?

It focuses on the need to invest in nursing and respect the rights of nurses in order to build resilient, high quality health systems to meet the needs of individuals and communities now and into the future, according to the ICN.

ICN President Dr Pamela Cipriano said: “Nurses have given their all in the fight against Covid-19, Ebola, in disaster areas and in war zones.

“Yet, they continue to face under-staffing, lack of protection, heavy workloads, and low wages. It is time now to take real action to address workplace safety, protect nurses and safeguard their physical and mental health.

How can I get involved?

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) said that on International Nurses Day 2022, you can join in and share your #BestOfNursing story.

This could be about care you or a colleague provided, or care provided to yourself or a loved one.You can also mark Nurses’ Day in your workplaces by ordering badges, putting up posters and using the RCN Teams background.

On the day, RCN will also be sharing videos and messages from supporters across the UK, who all want to say thank you for the incredible work nursing staff do.

You can get involved online by looking out for the Nurses’ Day videos and member stories and sharing these on your social media accounts on the day.

Best quotes to mark the day

‘Every nurse was drawn to nursing because of a desire to care, to serve, or to help’ - Christina Feist-Heilmeier, RN

‘Nurses are there when the last breath is taken, and nurses are there when the first breath is taken. Although it is more enjoyable to celebrate birth, it is just as important to comfort in death’ - Christine Bell

‘As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul, and body of our patients, their families, and ourselves. They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel’ - Maya Angelou