Coinciding with the celebration of International Nurses Day, which falls on May 12th of each year, a number of citizens and health practitioners in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia appreciated the pivotal humanitarian and professional role played by nursing staff, recalling their continuous sacrifices to alleviate patients’ pain and provide advanced health care, describing them as “angels of mercy.”.
Background and history of International Nurses Day
The world celebrates International Nurses Day on May 12th to honor the vital contributions of nurses to society. This date was chosen because it coincides with the birthday of Florence Nightingale (1820-1910), considered the founder of modern nursing. Through her pioneering efforts during the Crimean War, Nightingale established nursing as a respected profession based on science and compassion, revolutionizing standards of healthcare and hygiene in hospitals. Since then, this day has become an opportunity to highlight the importance of the profession and the challenges faced by those working in it.
Live testimonies of dedication and loyalty
In this context, citizen Abdullah Al-Jassem highlighted the immense sacrifices made by nursing staff to protect society, particularly their frontline role since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic amidst tremendous pressure. Based on his experience receiving treatment in both the United States and the Kingdom, Al-Jassem noted the superior level of care and meticulous follow-up provided by Saudi hospitals by their nursing staff, emphasizing that this dedication reflects the high quality of the Saudi healthcare system.
For his part, Abdulmohsen Al-Hamdan described the nursing profession as “a great humanitarian mission,” considering those working in it to be “angels of mercy.” He explained that nurses experience the details of a patient’s suffering moment by moment, providing psychological and medical support that requires the patience and dedication deeply rooted in the staff of hospitals and health centers throughout the Kingdom.
In a poignant and humane account, Mahdi Al-Nasser recalled a health crisis he experienced more than thirty years ago at the Dammam Central Hospital, when he suffered a sudden collapse following surgery. He explained that a nurse refused to leave his room until his condition had completely stabilized, noting that this noble act remains etched in his memory and is shared among those around him as a living testament to the true value of this profession.
Nursing: A fundamental pillar of the healthcare system
Based on his experience in the healthcare sector, Ahmed Al-Mursi emphasized that nurses are one of the most important pillars of the healthcare system. He pointed to the immense daily responsibilities they bear and the strenuous efforts they make in monitoring cases and providing continuous medical care at all times and under all circumstances.
For his part, Kamal Hussein expressed his deep gratitude to the nursing staff, explaining that patients fully appreciate the value of these efforts during periods of weakness and treatment. He added that the critical need for support and reassurance is often met by the nurses who accompany patients throughout their recovery journey, praying that they receive the fullest reward for their noble work.
The importance and impact of the celebration
The celebration of International Nurses Day is a culmination of the widespread international and local appreciation for the pivotal role played by nurses. Highlighting their boundless dedication not only acknowledges their efforts but also motivates new generations to join this humanitarian profession and reinforces their position as essential partners in improving the quality of medical care and ensuring the sustainability of human health, which aligns with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 for developing the health sector.
