Nurses Day: why is it celebrated on May 12?

Article published at: May 12, 2026 Article author: Equipo Jelrisofit Article tag: Cultura Medica
Día de la Enfermería: ¿por qué se celebra el 12 de mayo?
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International Nurses Day is celebrated every May 12 because it is the birth date of Florence Nightingale, one of the most important figures in the professionalization of modern nursing.

In Mexico, May 12 has also been the official date for National Nurses Day since 2021. However, for decades, the Mexican commemoration took place on January 6, which is why both dates still appear in publications, calendars, and historical references.

To understand which date is correct, it is helpful to separate two stories: the international origin of May 12 and the Mexican tradition that began on January 6, 1931.

Quick Answer: What is the Origin of Nurses Day?

May 12 was chosen to recognize nurses because it coincides with Florence Nightingale's birth in 1820. Her work contributed to organizing professional nursing education and promoting improvements in care, information recording, and hospital management.

The International Council of Nurses currently commemorates International Nurses Day every May 12 and uses this date to highlight the profession's contribution to healthcare systems worldwide. International Council of Nurses

In Mexico, a decree published in 2021 officially declared May 12 of each year as National Nurses Day. Before that change, the most well-known date in the country was January 6.

Why May 12 is Linked to Florence Nightingale

Florence Nightingale was born on May 12, 1820, in Florence, Italy. Her name is often associated with the Crimean War and the image of a nurse walking through the wards at night where wounded soldiers were located.

Her historical importance, however, is not limited to that image. Nightingale advocated for a nursing practice based on observation, environmental organization, training, and the recording of results obtained during care.

She also promoted improvements related to cleanliness, ventilation, nutrition, and hospital administration. Her work helped demonstrate that environmental conditions could directly influence patient recovery.

In 1860, the Nightingale Training School was established at St Thomas' Hospital in London. This school promoted a model of professional preparation that later influenced the training of nurses in other countries. Florence Nightingale Museum

Due to this connection with the development of modern nursing, her birth date became an international reference to recognize those who practice this profession.

How International Nurses Day Was Born

The international recognition of nursing arose from the need to make visible an essential profession for healthcare, but one that for a long time received less public and institutional recognition than other areas of health.

The International Council of Nurses adopted May 12 as the date for its annual commemoration. Since then, professional organizations, health authorities, universities, and healthcare centers in different countries use this day to highlight the work of nurses.

The Pan American Health Organization also recognizes May 12 as International Nurses Day, in remembrance of Florence Nightingale's birth. PAHO

The main moments related to the origin of the date can be summarized as follows:

Year
Historical Event
1820
Florence Nightingale is born on May 12 in Florence, Italy.
1860
The Nightingale Training School is established at St Thomas' Hospital in London.
1931
In Mexico, the tradition of recognizing nursing staff on January 6 begins.
2021
Mexico officially declares May 12 as National Nurses Day.
Present
May 12 combines the international commemoration and the official national date in Mexico.

Why is January 6 also remembered in Mexico?

For much of the 20th century, Nurses Day in Mexico was celebrated on January 6.

The tradition began in 1931 at the initiative of Dr. José Castro Villagrana, who was then director of the Hospital Juárez de México. He chose that date because he considered nurses' work to be a “gift from the Magi” for patients.

The commemoration continued for decades and became deeply rooted in hospitals, nursing schools, and healthcare institutions. Government of Mexico

For this reason, it is still possible to find articles, messages, and calendars that indicate January 6 as Nurses Day in Mexico. This is not an unexplained error, but a reference to the historical celebration that existed before the official adoption of May 12.

Currently, the two dates do not have the same character:

  • January 6 corresponds to the Mexican tradition initiated in 1931.
  • May 12 is the international date and the official national date currently in force in Mexico.

What is the official date for Nurses Day in Mexico?

The official date is May 12.

On March 18, 2021, the decree declaring May 12 of each year as National Nurses Day was published in the Official Gazette of the Federation.

The decree explains that the choice seeks to align the national commemoration with International Nurses Day and the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth.

It also establishes that national awards related to nursing must be presented on that date. Official Gazette of the Federation

The difference between both dates can be summarized as follows:

Date
Origin
Situation in Mexico
January 6
Tradition initiated in 1931 by José Castro Villagrana.
It is a historical date that explains many references prior to 2021.
May 12
Anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth and international date.
It is the official National Nurses Day since 2021.

Therefore, when referring to the current official date in Mexico, the correct answer is May 12. January 6 should be understood within its historical context.

What This Date Represents for Modern Nursing

Nurses Day allows us to recognize a profession that continuously participates in patient care, disease prevention, and the functioning of healthcare services.

Nursing is not limited to following instructions or assisting with procedures. Its functions can include:

  • Assessing the patient's condition.
  • Administering treatments according to indications and protocols.
  • Detecting and communicating clinical changes.
  • Educating patients and families.
  • Participating in prevention and health promotion programs.
  • Assisting in the management of chronic diseases.
  • Coordinating continuity of care.
  • Working in community care and public health.
  • Participating in teaching, administration, and research.

PAHO emphasizes that nursing staff play an essential role in providing care, promoting health, managing chronic conditions, and ensuring continuity of care. PAHO

This breadth explains why Nurses Day is not solely linked to hospital work. It also includes those who work in clinics, community centers, schools, businesses, home care, research, administration, and professional training.

The date also reminds us that nursing has its own knowledge, responsibilities, and areas of practice. Its contribution is part of all stages of care: prevention, assessment, treatment, recovery, rehabilitation, and accompaniment.

Conclusion

International Nurses Day is celebrated on May 12 because Florence Nightingale, a fundamental figure in the development of modern nursing and its professional training, was born on that day.

In Mexico, for many years, the celebration took place on January 6, following a tradition initiated in 1931 by José Castro Villagrana. This history explains why both dates continue to appear in content related to the profession.

However, since 2021, the official date for National Nurses Day in Mexico is May 12. This way, the Mexican commemoration coincides with international recognition.

Beyond clarifying a date, understanding its origin helps to comprehend the evolution of nursing as a profession with specialized training, distinct responsibilities, and an essential role in the continuity of healthcare.

Sources Consulted

  • International Nurses Day — International Council of Nurses
  • About Florence Nightingale — Florence Nightingale Museum
  • International Nurses Day — PAHO
  • January 6, Nurses Day — Government of Mexico
  • Decree declaring May 12 as National Nurses Day — Official Gazette of the Federation
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