International Nurses Day

From Freepedia

International Nurses Day (IND) is celebrated around the world every May 12. This day is celebrated to remember of all the precious contributions nurses make to the society. In general, nursing is still considered to be one of the most under-paid and thankless jobs.

The International Council of Nurses (ICN) celebrates this day since 1965. In January 1974 they accepted the decision that the day will be commemorated each year on the 12 May. The date was chosen as the anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale (1820-1910), who is widely considered the founder of modern nursing. Each year, this body prepares and distributes the International Nurses' Day (IND) Kit. The kit contains educational and public information materials, for use by nurses everywhere.

As Florence Nightingale is no longer seen as a role model in some parts of the world, demands have arisen, for example by the British public sector union UNISON, to transfer this day on another date. 21 May, the birthday of Elizabeth Fry (1780-1845), has been suggested. Elizabeth Fry founded the Institution of Nursing Sisters and is also known for her work with prisoners.

The International Nurses Day 2003 theme was Nurses: Fighting AIDS stigma, working for all.
The International Nurses Day 2004 theme was Nurses: Working with the Poor; Against Poverty.
The International Nurses Day 2005 theme was Nurses for Patients Safety: Targeting counterfeit medicines and substandard medication.

The focus is on counterfeit medicines because they are problematic in both developed and underdeveloped countries. Although it is impossible to find out exactly how many drugs are counterfeit, the World Health Organisation estimates that one in ten drugs sold worldwide has no medical effect at all and that in poor countries up to 25% of drugs are counterfeit. ICN also states that nurses have the responsibility to advise the public on the dangers of buying medicines through the Internet.

The U.S. and Canada celebrate their National Nursing Week each year from May 9 to May 15 each year. It was established by President Richard Nixon in 1974.

References

Printed

World Health Organization (1992). Counterfeit drugs—Report of a WHO/IFPMA Workshop, 1992. WHO/DMP/CFD/92. Geneva: World Health Organization. 26 p.
World Health Organization (1998) Report of the International Workshop on Counterfeit Drugs. WHO/DRS/CFD/98.1. Geneva: World Health Organization.