Celebrating Our Heroes

International Nurses Day is a global celebration of the amazing men and women who work tirelessly to protect and heal our communities. They put in long hours, rarely receiving the recognition due to their noble contributions. Throughout the pandemic, nurses have worked bravely on the front lines to protect us and care for our loved ones. The world is finally beginning to heal, thanks in large part to these everyday heroes. To commemorate our global healing process, this year’s theme has been appropriately dubbed “nursing the world back to health”

We celebrate International Nurses Day on May 12 to commemorate the birth of nursing pioneer, Florence Nightingale. This spectacular celebration has been coordinated by the International Council of Nurses since 1965. However, it was not until 1974 that May 12th was selected as the global day of celebration. The goal of this event is to educate the public about nursing's contribution to the world and to honour our dedicated health care providers. 2021 has been named the “Year of the Nurse and Midwife”. It is an especially exciting year as it marks the 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth!

Who Was Florence Nightingale?

Florence Nightingale, known as “The Lady With The Lamp,” was a revolutionary British nurse and statistician. She is hailed as the founder of modern nursing for her contributions to the practice and study of healthcare. Her revolutionary ideals have helped shape the modern advancements of nursing and patient care.

From an early age, Florence embraced her philanthropic nature, aiding the poor and ill inhabitants of a village neighbouring her family estate. She was determined to someday become a nurse, despite her family's disapproval. As a member of high society, it was considered unseemly that Florence should pursue a career, rather than an affluent husband.

Against her family's forbiddance, Florence enrolled as a nursing student in 1844 at the Lutheran Hospital of Pastor Fliedner in Kaiserwerth, Germany.

In the early 1850s, Florence took a nursing job in a Middlesex hospital for ailing governesses. Her skills quickly impressed her employer, earning Florence a promotion to superintendent within a year.

An outbreak of cholera swept the area soon after. The death toll rose and the spread of disease became worsened by unsanitary conditions. After witnessing this tragedy, it became Florence’s mission to save lives by improving hygienic standards. Her efforts significantly lowered the death rate at her hospital, laying the foundation for modern sanitary standards.

The Crimean war broke out in October 1853. With understaffed hospitals and rapidly dwindling supplies many soldiers were overrun with infection. Citizens of England were furious with the appalling conditions and insufficient treatment that led to thousands of preventable deaths. In late 1854 Secretary of War, Sidney Herbert, reached out to Florence for assistance. She was tasked with the organization of a nursing corps to aid soldiers in the Crimea. She quickly assembled thirty-four nurses, leading them to battle only days later.

Immediately upon arrival, Florence and her team set to work. With the assistance of any able-bodied patients, the hospital was scrubbed floor to ceiling and sanitary practices improved quickly. Florence also implemented additional programs to improve the patient experience. A laundry was added, as well as an education centre, and a program to supply meals for patients with special dietary needs. The combined efforts of Florence and her team reduced the hospital's death rate by two-thirds.

Based on her observations in the Crimea, Florence wrote “Notes on Matters Affecting the Health, Efficiency and Hospital Administration of the British Army”. This 830-page report analyzed her experience and proposed the reform of any military hospitals operating under improper conditions.

After remaining on the front lines until the Crimean conflict was resolved in 1856, Florence returned home to an astounding hero's welcome. The Queen presented Florence with an engraved brooch that has come to be known as the “Nightingale Jewel” in addition to a prize of $250,000 from the British government.

For her dedicated work, Florence became the first female member of the Royal Statistical Society and was named an honorary member of the American Statistical Association.

In 1860 Florence established St. Thomas’ Hospital and the Nightingale Training School for Nurses with her funds awarded by the Queen. Inspired by her impact on the world, even women from the upper classes began to enroll. Florence had broken the status quo, creating a new perception of nursing as an honourable vocation.

By the age of thirty-eight, Florence was bedridden, due to her contraction of “Crimean fever”, and would never fully recover. She continued to work from her bed, as fiercely determined as ever to improving health care and quality of life for patients. She continued to dedicate her life to improving others until her unfortunate passing on August 13, 1910. Her memory and legacy live on, honoured by communities around the world.

How to celebrate

1) Do something special for the nurses in your life. This can be as simple as a call or text. Let them know you’re thinking of them and appreciate their contributions to your community.

2) If your spouse or partner is a nurse, create a special celebration for them. Make a nice meal or order in their favourite treats and set aside time for a surprise massage or relaxing bubble bath. This is not just for the ladies!

3) Send a special treat to your local nurses. You can have a delicious treat or nutritious fruit basket delivered to the nurses station in your community hospital. Including a small card is a great way to add a personal touch or special thanks to this fun surprise. (It may be wise to call ahead and verify that this is acceptable depending on your local pandemic related regulations)

Self-care ideas for Nurses to celebrate themselves

Nurses often spend so much time caring for others they forget to set aside time for their own needs. If you have trouble making time for yourself try considering it as career development instead. Ensuring that your needs are met will keep you at the top of your game!

1) Set aside at least one hour today for uninterrupted “me time”. Enjoy a cup of your favourite tea, read a great book, or make time for that hobby you’ve been putting off!

2) Get outside for some exercise and fresh air. Take a walk or bike ride through your neighbourhood, making sure to take in the beauty of spring as the world comes back to life.

3) Get a proper rest! As the daughter of a nurse, I know that sleep can be a scarce commodity. The simple act of ensuring a proper night's sleep can be the most important act of self-care you perform.

4) Treat yourself to an amazing well-balanced meal. Proper nutrition is an essential step in your self-care routine. If you enjoy cooking, take this opportunity to try out that scrumptious new recipe you’ve been eyeing!

5) Do something to celebrate your fellow nurses. Bring a special treat to share or simply congratulate someone for a job well done. Sharing appreciation and support with your co-workers will create a happier workplace and encourage others to follow suit.

Thank you for reading! I hope you learned something interesting or found a fun celebration idea today. If you enjoyed this article please consider clicking that little heart and sharing it on your social media!