International Nurses Day and the spirit of lifelong learning: honouring the legacy, empowering the future
Every year on May 12th, we come together to celebrate International Nurses Day—a day to honour the exceptional work and enduring impact of nurses globally. This date marks the birth of Florence Nightingale, widely regarded as the founder of modern nursing
Florence Nightingale’s image is etched into nursing history — the Lady with the Lamp, improving the care and outcomes of wounded soldiers during the Crimean War and revolutionising nursing practice through sanitation reform and hospital design. Her image is iconic - a symbol of compassion, courage and the transformation of hospital care. Her influence shaped nursing as a recognised and respected profession. But history, like healthcare, is complex. And the story of Florence Nightingale isn’t without controversy.
While she was a pioneer in infection control, public health reform, and the development and use of data and statistics in healthcare, Florence was also a product of her era contributing to a long history of rigid leadership and obedience that doesn’t support independent enquiry we now recognise as essential to progress and patient safety.
Why we must reflect on the full story
Acknowledging the controversial aspects of Florence Nightingale’s life doesn’t diminish her achievements - it deepens our understanding. Nursing is not static. It has progressed through innovation, debate, and bravery of those who challenge outdated systems.
Engaging with Nightingale’s full story helps us reflect on the evolution of the nursing profession. From hospital wards to intensive care units, from rural clinicals to operating theatres, nurses champion critical thinking, evidence-based practice and professional autonomy.
Rekindling purpose through CPD
One of the most powerful ways nurses can honour the legacy of pioneers - both celebrated and forgotten - is through curiosity and knowledge. CPD isn’t just a checkbox for annual registration, it’s a chance to reignite your passion, strengthen clinical judgement and deliver better care to patients.
Whether it’s an interactive course, a simulation workshop or a reflective debrief after a clinical incident, meaningful education is a tool for transformation. Clinical education should be relevant, engaging and developed by clinicians who understand real-world practice.
This International Nurses Day - light your own lamp
Nursing is not a static profession — it has evolved through challenge, discourse, and the courage to question the status quo. We work in complex and often challenging environments, guided by compassion, critical thinking, and the drive to improve patient outcomes.
As we celebrate International Nurses Day, take time to reflect on how far the profession has come - and how your own learning contributes to the forward motion of the profession. What do you advocate for? How do you lead the way and support your growth, the growth of your peers and the growth of the profession?
Shining the light on the ongoing role of nurses as catalysts for change reminds us of the importance of rediscovering the ‘why’ behind what you do.
Related courses
Susan is the Head of Nursing Education for the Medcast Group.
DipAppScNsg, BN, CritCareCert, CoronaryCareCert, TraumaNsgCareCert, CertIV(TAE), MN(Ed), and GradCert(Ldrshp & Mgt).
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