International Nurse Day

If the global pandemic taught us anything, it’s that nurses are superheroes in scrubs. When peoples’ health is on the line, they’ll drop everything, spend long hours on their feet, and help patients feel cared for and supported. As a brand that appreciates and recognizes the hard work of these insanely awesome healthcare professionals, Owala is stoked to celebrate Nurse Day, an annual holiday that honors the tireless efforts of nurses around the world.


Nurse Day, which you may also know as International Nurses Day, is celebrated on May 12th every year, which is the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. It started as a U.S. national holiday in 1982, and since then, it has become a global celebration for nurses and their contributions to healthcare.


For centuries nurses have played a critical role in keeping us healthy, whether we need an annual checkup, have just had an injury, or have caught a cold. Nurse Day is an opportunity to recognize their hard work, dedication, and major impact that they’ve had in each of our lives—because each and every one of us has been helped by a nurse at one point in our lives. 


So how do you even begin to give back to these heroes? Well, we have a few ideas. One is to celebrate by sending a thoughtful gift. Due to the long hours most nurses often work, they need a water bottle that can keep them hydrated throughout their shifts. Owala is a favorite bottle among nurses because it’s easy to open (thanks to its push-button lid), has a covered straw to keep it free of germs, and keeps water cold for up to 24 hours. It’s the best gift to treat a nurse with and one they’re guaranteed to love. 


Another way to show appreciation is by volunteering at a local hospital or healthcare facility. Many hospitals and clinics offer volunteer opportunities, such as reading to patients, assisting with activities, or helping with administrative tasks. These small acts of kindness can make a big difference in the lives of nurses and their patients (added bonus: helping others will not only make them feel good… it’ll help you feel good too!). 


People can also show their love for nurses by simply saying thank you. Nurses work long days and often deal with stressful situations, and a little appreciation can go a long way in boosting their morale and letting them know that their hard work is valued. 


Nurse Day is a day that everyone can easily celebrate and is the perfect way to give back. Owala is proud to support nurses and show our appreciation for all that they do. Whether you choose to send your favorite nurses a thoughtful gift, decide to volunteer, or simply say thank you to nurses in your community (or ones who have directly helped you), there are many ways to celebrate and show appreciation for the hardworking nurses in our lives.