Honouring nurses: Pillars of strength in global healthcare and healing

Every year on May 12, the world celebrates International Nurses Day, commemorating the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.

- TDG NETWORK

This day not only honors the selfless service of nurses across the globe but also highlights their integral role in the healthcare system.

The theme for International Nurses Day 2025 is 'Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for nurses strengthens economies.' This theme focuses on nurses' health and well-being and highlights the critical role of a healthy nursing workforce in supporting the overall healthcare system.

THE CRITICAL ROLE OF NURSES IN HEALTHCARE
Nurses are often the first and most consistent point of contact for patients within any healthcare setting. Their role spans across primary, secondary, and tertiary care and includes promoting health, preventing illness, and caring for the ill, disabled, and dying. From the emergency room to the ICU, from rural clinics to urban hospitals, nurses serve tirelessly, ensuring every patient receives safe and effective care.

Nurses are trained to assess patients, administer medication, manage treatment plans, educate families, and provide emotional support. In recent decades, the scope of nursing has expanded even further, with advanced practice nurses (APNs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) taking on more autonomous roles in diagnosis and treatment.

CONTRIBUTIONS IN DIFFERENT SPHERES OF HEALTHCARE
1. CLINICAL EXCELLENCE AND PATIENT CARE
Nurses spend more time with patients than any other healthcare professional, making them central to patient outcomes. Their close observation allows for early detection of complications, timely interventions, and individualized patient care. Clinical nurses ensure hygiene standards, monitor vital signs, manage chronic diseases, and often serve as advocates for their patients.

2. PUBLIC HEALTH AND COMMUNITY