International Nurses Day Image: Know about Florence Nightingale and Nurses Day International Nurses Day is observed on May 12 every year. On that day in 1820, Florence Nightingale - perhaps the world's most famous nurse - was born. She was an English nurse, a social reformer and a statistician who founded the key pillars of modern nursing. International Nurses Day, amid the horrific coronavirus pandemic, assumes great significance. Nurses are the backbone of the hospitals and clinics taking care of the millions of COVID-19 patients for months putting their lives at risk. International Nurses Day is a great opportunity to express our deep gratitude for them. According to the ICN (International Council of Nurses), as of 31 December 2020, more than 1.6 million healthcare workers in 34 countries have been infected by COVID-19. The ICN's key pillars are: Professional practice, Regulation, and Socio-economic welfare.