A National Nurses Day was first planned in the early 1950's, but it was not until 1974 when the International Council of Nurses stated that May 12 was to be International Nurses Day.
The 12th of May was chosen as this was the day in 1820 that Florence Nightingale was born. Florence Nightingale is most famous for her work during the Crimean War and became known as the 'lady with the lamp' as she checked wounded soldiers during the night. In the 1860's she established a nursing school at St Thomas' Hospital in London.
Her lasting contribution was her role in founding the modern nursing profession. The work of her nursing school continues today as the Florence Nightingale School of Nursing and Midwifery at King's College London.
