Four healthcare professionals sat around a table in discussion. One is looking through a folder of documents.

Celebrating International Nurses Day

International Nurses Day (IND) is held on 12 May. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the incredible work nurses do to make a difference to people's lives.

We are giving thanks to all the fantastic Macmillan nurses providing specialist care and support for people living with cancer.

What is International Nurses Day?

  • When is International Nurses Day?
    International Nurses Day is celebrated around the world on 12 May every year. 
  • Why do we celebrate Nurses Day?
    It’s an opportunity for us all to celebrate the incredible work nurses do to make a difference to people's lives.
  • What's the International Nurses Day 2025 theme?
    The International Council of Nurses (ICN) chose the theme ‘Caring for nurses strengthens economies’ for 2025. It is part of a multi-year theme called ‘Our Nurses, Our Future’ which aims to raise the profile of nursing worldwide. 
  • The history behind the day
    International Nurses Day is celebrated on 12 May as it marks the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth. Florence Nightingale is considered the founder of modern nursing. Today International Nurses Day celebrates the contribution nurses make to society. 

What's it like being a Macmillan nurse?

Shez, wearing her dark blue nurse's uniform and a green Macmillan lanyard, is talking to another nurse. They are in discussion.

Shez, specialist Macmillan nurse

'I find it so rewarding to be alongside patients and families, to help ensure their care is properly coordinated. Patients just need to know there's someone they can contact if they have any concerns.'
Ria, a Macmillan Palliative Care Support Nurse.

Ria, palliative care discharge nurse

'Many people I speak to weren’t aware of their options, and that’s what I’m here to do – to help them understand their options and give them access to the right support.'
Palliative Care Clinical Nurse Specialist Andrew, smiling while looking at camera wearing green Macmillan fleece

Andrew, palliative care clinical nurse specialist

'I have worked across both community and hospital settings. I've gained experience which has given me a fantastic overview of the different challenges associated with each of these domains.'

Ways to help this International Nurses Day

Macmillan is here for everybody living with cancer, with our specialist information, support and services. But we couldn't do it without our incredible supporters. Here are a few ways you can get involved.

Lots of people all dressed in green Macmillan tops standing on Westminster Bridge in London with Big Ben in the background
Campaign with us

to make sure people living with cancer have their voices heard.

Donate

Find out more about the ways you can donate to Macmillan.

Macmillan trail runners being supported by Team Macmillan
Fundraise

Get involved in a fundraising event to raise money for Macmillan.

Skydive Weekend IND

Join Team Macmillan skydivers to commemorate International Nurses Day.

Macmillan Social Care Coordinator Jan Bolton is wearing a bright green patterned dress and is sitting on a sofa. Next to her is a person. They are using a wheelchair. They are inside and talking to each other.

Interested in a career in cancer?

There are many health and care roles within the field of cancer. Each plays an important part in every stage of a cancer experience. 
Learn about different roles in cancer