Celebrating the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife

We highlight the best of UK nursing every day, but this year the profession is receiving global recognition.

The World Health Organization has designated 2020 the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife.

Our coverage in this special year focuses on the image of nursing, nurses’ roles and their contribution around the world.

This year also marks the bicentenary of the birth of Florence Nightingale whose impact on nursing is being celebrated in many different countries.

The Nursing Standard Calendar

Follow all the important dates for 2020, the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife, on Nursing Standard's digital calendar.

 


2020 – a year like no other for the world in general and nurses in particular

Nurses reflect on how COVID-19 has changed what they do, and how they can shape the future

Theresa Fyffe, RCN Scotland director, who will retire in January 2021

Safe staffing champion: ‘role was my chance to be loud and proud and promote nursing’

As she prepares to retire, RCN Scotland director reflects on nursing and COVID-19

Prioritising nurse safety not only protects staff, but patients too

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted that safe staffing and proper PPE mean better care

Nursing after COVID-19: the long-term impact of our high-profile role

Stark images during the pandemic have dispelled old myths and stereotypes about nurses

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Florence Nightingale

International Nurses Day: what would Florence do on the COVID-19 front line?

The issues Miss Nightingale championed are echoed in the response to COVID-19

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A nurse working in intensive care

International Nurses Day may be low-key, but we’ve never been more in the spotlight

COVID-19 has highlighted how vital the profession is – and how much investment is needed

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Anne Marie Rafferty

Nursing Standard podcast: is Florence Nightingale a nursing icon? 

Professor of nursing policy Anne Marie Rafferty discusses her legacy

illustration shows planet earth in colours suggesting parts are flooded, others are overheated

Climate change is a global issue, but nurses see its effects close-up

Health threats from global warming make the need to end the nurse shortage extra-urgent

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illustration shows nurses in a variety of practice scenarios, showing how skilled and diverse the profession is

Yes, of course nursing is more than a ‘job for nice women’ – but tell that to the public

The image of nursing as women’s (low-skilled) work continues to hamper recruitment

Prime minister Boris Johnson speaking to a patient on a ward, accompanied by healthcare staff

The voice of nurses has never been stronger, says the RCN’s new director for England

The voice of nurses has never been stronger, and we must use it to ensure election promises...

Image of a nurse holding a speech bubble that contains a picture depicting a nursing task. How nurses describe their profession has an impact on the way policymakers, politicians and the public perceive the role

Have you ever described yourself as ‘just a nurse’?

How people talk about nursing can diminish its value – here’s what you can do differently

Patients are confused by inconsistent nurses’ uniforms – and they’re not alone

Why nurses favour a UK-wide standardised uniform that makes clear who does what

Readers’ panel: Is nursing being held back by outdated public perceptions?

A recent survey found that public perceptions of nursing are putting people off joining the...

Let’s make 2020 our chance to push for more nurse funding

Year of the Nurse and Midwife presents an opportunity to advance the profession

Florence Nightingale: Why the founder of modern nursing is still important

Nursing Standard takes an interactive look at Florence Nightingale's legacy...