Each year, the healthcare community comes together to celebrate two important dates: International Nurses Day (May 12th) and National Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) Day (May 14th). These commemorative days offer an opportunity to honour the dedication, expertise, and compassion of nurses and ODPs; professionals who play a critical, hands-on role in delivering safe and effective patient care every day.
Why these days matter
Both days serve a dual purpose: to raise public awareness of these essential roles within healthcare and to celebrate the people who dedicate their lives to caring for others.
International Nurses Day, held on the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, is a global recognition of the immeasurable value nurses bring to healthcare systems. Nurses are often the first point of contact for patients and play a central role in delivering care, managing treatment plans, offering emotional support, and advocating for patient needs, often under immense pressure. Theatre nurses support patients and surgical teams with precision, compassion, and expertise every step of the way
National ODP Day, meanwhile, is a chance to shine a light on a profession that, while lesser known to the public, is vital to safe and effective surgical care. ODPs work in anaesthetics, surgery, and post-anaesthesia care, forming an integral part of the perioperative team. They bring specialised expertise, clinical precision, and a calm presence to some of the most critical moments in a patient’s journey. ODPs are increasingly expanding into non-perioperative roles, including resuscitation, endoscopy, and ICU.
You can find out more about the roles of ODPs and theatre nurses here:
Operating Department Practitioner
A time for appreciation and awareness
Marking these days is more than a symbolic gesture. It’s a call to recognise the challenges faced by these professionals, particularly in the wake of increasing demands, staff shortages, and a global health crisis that has reshaped the landscape of care.
It’s also a chance to inspire the next generation. When we publicly celebrate the dedication of nurses and ODPs, we encourage young people to consider these rewarding, life-changing careers.
How to get involved
- Share stories and experiences on social media to raise awareness using hashtags like #ODPDay and #InternationalNursesDay. Tag AfPP.
- Organise or attend events that showcase the profession; from information stands and career talks to community health initiatives.
- Take a moment to thank a nurse or ODP who has made a difference in your life or the life of someone you love.
- Advocate for investment in the education, wellbeing, and recognition of these crucial roles.
Nurses and ODPs are the backbone of healthcare. They are the skilled hands and compassionate hearts who care, heal, support, and advocate every single day. Celebrating their contributions is not just important; it is essential to fostering a culture of respect, understanding, and gratitude in healthcare.
Let us take this opportunity to say thank you, and to keep shining a light on the vital work of our colleagues in scrubs.
