International Nurses Week 2021

Happy International Nurses Week to all Nurses around the World.

I appreciate you all.

This week is a fantastic opportunity to look at, and celebrate the collaborative efforts of Nurses all over the world. Not forgetting and reflecting on those selfless Nurses who have lost their lives in this pandemic.

With that in mind, I am aware that being conscious about the future of Nurses and Nursing is imperative. This consideration is pivotal to how we move forward and manage the endless hard work facing Nurses.

The International Council of Nurses gives us focus on where we can collectively work to make progress. This year's Nursing Week theme is 'Nurses: A Voice to Lead'. A call for innovation, improvement, and elevation of nursing practice. Defining what it means to provide care that is compassionate and connected.

Having this focus Internationally and Nationally is vital if we are to uplevel the profession, and enable and empower all Nurses around the world. The 600 000 Nursing voices here in the UK are part of an estimated 28 million Nurses in the world. That's one heck of a collective voice. Remember the #metoo movement? How that movement exposed despicable behaviour and brought down seemingly unbreakable barriers. That movement highlights what is possible with vulnerability, connection and support.

I have been reflecting on this as well as the International Women's Day focus #ChooseToChallenge. On March 8th #IWD2021 I decided that I needed to reflect on my part in this. I considered what is stopping Nurses from fulfilling their potential and using their voices? and what I can do about that.

I believe that Nurses are resilient and extremely capable. They are literally superheroes.

From my questions to Nurses recently it seems remarkably simple.

Nurses need support, information, connection, and a #nurselifebalance.

I will expand on this in the coming weeks but am very excited to be working on something that will help Nurses be 'A Voice to Lead' as well as live more balanced lives both at work and at home.

What do you think Nurses need to #ChooseToChallenge and use their Voice?