Despite the many challenges facing nursing this year, it is time to celebrate.

Former RCN president Lucy Ottley once said: ‘What an opportunity we have to guide the future of our profession, while maintaining the best traditions and standards of the past.’

After years of campaigning for better training, regulation and opportunities for healthcare support workers, the new nursing associate role could be a welcome initiative.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the RCN – 100 years of influencing policy, driving forward practice, and giving a voice to one of the country’s most important professions.

Last month we celebrated the reversal of migration laws that would have forced thousands of talented nurses from outside the European Economic Area to leave the country.

The nursing profession is constantly evolving to meet patient and population need, with nursing staff continually advancing their practice and skills to provide high-quality patient care.