Marked each year on Florence Nightingale’s birthday (May 12th), International Nurses Day is a chance to celebrate the contributions nurses make to society. The theme for 2022 is ‘Nurses: Make a Difference.’
Nursing contributes to the successful care of patients in all healthcare settings. With a diverse range of skills, nurses help bring life into the world, care for the sick, and offer comfort to families during the most difficult times. We should take this opportunity to recognize the long hours, emotional strain, hard work, and positive outcomes of our nurses during International Nurses Day.
The globe continues to heal following the global pandemic and there are lessons to learn. Let’s not forget the historic nurses, like Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole, who not only improved the treatment of illness and disease but also raised public awareness about how to prevent poor health, whilst protecting and promoting healthy living. The world has leant on the nursing community for treatment and guidance in the last two years.
Let’s use the experience of the pandemic as an opportunity to see the importance of our nursing communities with greater clarity. Through the right level of funding, support, and career opportunities, we must continue to value and respect the nursing community.
So, how can we celebrate our nurses on International Nurses Day?
Nursing Facts for International Nurses Day
- Florence Nightingale is recognised as the founder of modern nursing after campaigning for reform in health care and nursing in the 1860s following her experience during the Crimean War.
- International Nursing Day was established in 1974 and has been setting themes since 1988.
- The world’s first nursing school was set up in 250BC in India – only men were allowed to attend…
- 95% of people voted that they trusted nurses to tell the truth above other professions!
- The average adult walks up to a mile during their working day. On average, nurses walk between 4-5 miles during a shift.
- In 2019, the NHS reported a record 43,000+ nursing vacancies to fill. That is a serious nursing shortage!
- Health Workforce Australia predict that by 2030 there could be a shortage of 123,000 nurses!
Further Reading:
- Tackling the Skills Shortage in Aged Care
- A Guide to Registering with the Nursing Council of New Zealand
- Top 5 Nursing Skills Employers Want
How to get involved with International Nurses Day
- Celebrate nursing heritage by exploring the fascinating stories of Mary Seacole and Florence Nightingale.
- In honour of frontline healthcare workers who have lost their lives trying to treat and care for COVID-19 patients, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) is holding a vigil today.
- An Australian and New Zealand nurse will offer their respects to their global colleagues in a prerecorded message. At 7pm AEST on Tuesday, May 12, the video will be shared on social media.
- It is also possible for you to join the cause by taking a photo of yourself holding a candle, flowers, or a note of condolence and sharing it as a comment on the original post.
- Buy a nurse a coffee!
- Continue to follow COVID-19 guidance and protocols by regularly washing your hands and wearing a face mask in public spaces.
How is International Nurses day Marked Around the World?
- Australia – At ceremonies in a state capital city, the Australian Nurse of the Year is announced.
- United Kingdom – Westminster Abbey hosts a service where a symbolic lamp is moved from the Nurses’ Chapel in the Abbey and passed between nurses before the Dean displays it on the Abbey’s High Altar.
- Internationally – The International Council of Nurses prepares IND kits containing public information and educational resources for nurses the world over.
Importance of Investment in Nursing
There is a general feeling of a real need for investment in the nursing workforce around the world. During the pandemic, all countries saw their healthcare professionals stretched to the very limit. In the UK, the nation showed its appreciation by clapping for the NHS. Many rainbow posters can still see be seen adorning windows. But are we doing enough to future proof our healthcare services against future challenging times? In recent times it would be difficult to argue against the need to boost healthcare provision and tackle nursing shortages to ensure aid global health.
Keep an eye on the ICN’s report published on #InternationalNursesDay. The report sets out a proposal of steps that governments must take to ensure the future of global health.
What support is available for nurses?
And why is it so vital right now? The global pandemic has evidently tested the limits of many healthcare professionals the world over. In Australia, 42% of nurses reportedly feel less willing to work than before, with 1/5 of essential workers considering leaving their jobs because of the pandemic. Another factor across Australia and New Zealand is need for nursing roles to diversify considerably. For example, many are required to take up roles in aged care or in administrative jobs due to Covid-19.
Read our post, ‘Why You Should Consider Nursing Roles in Aged Care.’
Career Opportunities for Nurses
Despite the challenges the sector is facing, nursing continues to be an incredibly rewarding career path. Enabling the population’s access to high-quality healthcare is more vital than ever. Nurses make the biggest positive impact on patient care. There is an increasing need for nurses to move into leadership positions. As a result, there are options available for experienced nurses with relevant knowledge and skills to take senior positions.
Thank you for reading, we wish you a happy International Nurses Day!
We’d also like to take this opportunity to thank all of the incredible nurses and healthcare professionals that we work with.
If you are interested in nursing jobs, or in taking your career to the next level, register your interest to have a chat with a member of our team. You can also browse our current nursing jobs.
