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International Nurses’ Day – a chance to celebrate the incredible work nurses do

Diversity and skills of nursing roles at the heart of this year’s celebration of the profession

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The theme of this year’s International Nurses’ Day on Saturday is the role of nurses in ensuring health is seen as a human right.

The RCN says it will use the day to promote understanding of the diversity of nursing work and the high levels of skills required.

Encouraged to share stories

The college is encouraging nursing staff on Twitter to use the hashtag #ThisNurse to share stories of colleagues who have gone the extra mile to provide patient care and of times when they were reminded of what fulfils them in their work.

RCN general secretary Janet Davies said: ‘Nurses’ Day is a wonderful way to celebrate the incredible work nursing staff do every single day of the year. There is no one-size-fits-all rule for nursing staff. They work across every health care setting and have innovative and diverse roles within health care teams.’

The annual event, which takes place on Florence Nightingale’s birthday, is coordinated by the International Council of Nurses (ICN).

ICN president Annette Kennedy, writing to publicise this year’s event, said: ‘Let us share how nurses are transforming healthcare and health systems so that no person is left behind.’

Contribution to the NHS

England’s chief nursing officer Jane Cummings said the day was a perfect opportunity to celebrate the contribution of nurses to the NHS over the past 70 years.

‘It fills me with pride when I see the fantastic work and world-class care provided by nurses across the country, and International Nurses’ Day is the perfect opportunity to recognise their amazing contribution to health and care globally,’ she said.

This year’s celebration coincides with the start of RCN congress in Belfast, one of the biggest events in the UK nursing calendar.

About 3,000 nurses and healthcare assistants will be descending on the Northern Ireland capital to discuss the most pressing issues for the profession in four days of debate.


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