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May 12 is celebrated as International Nurse Day every year all over the world. It is the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, who is considered as the founder of modern nursing.
This day is celebrated to mark the contributions of nurses to the society and recognises the selfless work and sacrifices of nurses during the pandemic and those living in conflict zones.
Every year there is a different theme and for 2023 it is: “Our Nurses. Our Future.” This theme will be a global campaign which sets out what nursing needs now and in the future in order to address the global health challenges and improve global health for all. We need to learn from the lessons of the pandemic and translate these into actions of the future.
Nurses are the professionals who can lead the world out of the post-pandemic slump in healthcare. But the largest health care profession in the world is currently facing challenges such as shortage of nurses, burn outs and other mental health challenges, as most of the time nurses work in tough environments where extreme stress is part of their job.
To support and ensure strong future for the nursing profession, it is essential to invest in nursing education and training, provide adequate resources and support for nurses in the workplace, and address the root causes of nursing shortage such as low salaries and lack of professional development opportunities.
Nurses are key to healthier communities, responsive societies, thriving economies and powerful nations. Now is the time for policy makers, national and local decision-makers to take decisive steps to build and optimise an enduring, strong and sustainable nursing workforce.
The Our Nurses. Our Future. Campaign will shine the light on nurses and on a brighter future, moving nurses from invisible to invaluable in the eyes of policy makers, the public, and all those who make decisions affecting the delivery and financing of health care.
Limasungla Aier
School of Nursing
District Hospital Dimapur