“Our Nurses. Our Future. The economic power of care.”

As we step into International Nurses Week to honour and celebrate the remarkable strides we've made in our profession, we are prompted to reflect back on our achievements, taking time to looking ahead and strategically plan for what's next.

International Nurses Day marks the birth of Florence Nightingale, the 12th of May 1820, honouring the trailblazer of nursing. Each year, on her birthday, we recognise nurses' global contributions and their unwavering dedication to providing the highest standards of care to individuals and communities.

This week serves as a reminder of the pivotal role nurses play in promoting health, preventing illness and delivering care worldwide:

• Recognition and Appreciation

Its a chance to honour and value nurses' commitment, empathy and expertise, shining a light on continuous efforts to deliver comprehensive care, across various healthcare settings, often in challenging conditions.

• Awareness and Advocacy

Its a time to create further awareness of nurses' vital role in healthcare delivery, advocating for adequate funding, calling for support so nurses can effectively fulfil their professional duties.

• Inspiration and Empowerment

International Nurses Day inspires both current and future generations of nurses, highlighting remarkable achievements and contributions of nursing, empowering nurses to advocate for patient rights, upholding professional values and striving for excellence in their practice.

International Nurses Day 2024: “Our Nurses. Our Future. The economic power of care.”?

Despite being the backbone of health care, nursing often faces financial constraints and societal undervaluation. Therefor the aim of this years international nurses day is to reshape perceptions, demonstrating how strategic investment in nursing can bring considerable economic and societal benefits.?

As we witness International Nurses Day celebrations, through various events such as conferences, seminars, community outreach programmes, awareness ceremonies and social media campaigns, it is also a time to raise public awareness around nursing roles and scope of practice. This week provides an opportunity for everyone to pause, take stock, reflect and recognise nurses' invaluable contributions to healthcare and society, fostering global solidarity in raising awareness of the challenges facing the nursing profession.

Nurses are the cornerstone of healthcare, embodying compassion, expertise and steadfast commitment, navigating vulnerabilities, resilience, capacity for healing, and optimism. The nursing landscape today is as diverse as the communities we serve, demonstrated by the growth in clinical specialties and professional pathways, all reflective of the intricate tapestry of a modernising healthcare system. Innovation is therefore essential, empowering nurses to pioneer breakthroughs in patient care, research, education and policy, highlighting further the need to advocate for strategic investments in the nursing profession today.

Despite financial constraints, the nursing profession continues to serve as the linchpin of healthcare. However, we are seeing the strain on the profession, with a predicted deficit of 10+ million nurses globally by 2030, its time to invest! It is therefor crucial to advocate for new ways, growing our profession at the same rate as growth in areas such as: technology, research, medication and new treatment methods.

OakTree Mentoring is passionate about how mentorship programmes can contribute to economic empowerment by equipping nurses with the skills, knowledge and support needed to advocate for innovation and investment. We believe in the power of formal mentorship and leveraging on programmes to serve as incubators for innovation, supporting nurses to collaborate, exchange ideas and drive positive change in healthcare delivery, potentially matched with mentors in other leading industries. The potential of working with other industry leaders, traditionally may not have been considered for nurses, however this opportunity opens avenues to hone new skills, knowledge and confidence, securing and sustaining an advanced nursing workforce. It is time we invested in nursing innovation, maximising the potential of the nursing workforce and driving positive outcomes for patients, providers and communities.

Celebrating Nursing Mentors and Mentees.

This week, OakTree Mentoring will celebrate the mentors and mentees committed to supporting one another, a tribute to the enduring legacy of Florence Nightingale. Florences' leadership and mentorship laid the groundwork for modern nursing. As we honour her legacy, we are reminded of the profound impact reflective practice and mentorship can have in driving future innovation and excellence in patient care. Reflecting on Nightingale's contributions inspires us to leverage healthcare innovation, while embracing her principles of compassion, dedication and continuous learning, investing in a brighter future for nursing - Our Nurses. Our Future. The economic power of care.

??Cathy Cribben-Pearse, May 2024, Celebrating Nurses Week!