“Nurses’ vital contribution to tackling COVID-19 highlights the profession is ready to take giant step change” says ICN

In support of nurses at the frontline of the COVID-19 outbreak and in preparation for International Nurses Day (IND) to be held on 12 May 2020, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) today released a resource and evidence toolkit report entitled: Nurses: A Voice to Lead – Nursing the World to Health.

In 2020, 12 May is extra special because this is the first ever Year of the Nurse and Midwife. ICN CEO, Howard Catton, in a video message accompanying the launch said never was a year more aptly named, referring to the massive contribution of frontline nurses tackling the virus.

ICN President Annette Kennedy said, “On the 12 May we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, and she would be immensely proud of our frontline nurses fighting COVID-19, as well equally concerned for their health and safety.

‘COVID-19 has put into even sharper focus the work of nurses. As carers, healers, educators, leaders and advocates, nurses are fundamental to the provision of safe, accessible and affordable care. Today and every day, nurses across the world are carrying on their vital work caring for patients, regardless of the very real personal risks they face. It is critically important that we show the world who nurses are and what they do and ensure that governments invest in this vital resource.”

Both celebrating the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife and acting as a blueprint for change, the IND 2020 report showcases the work of nurses in all settings across the world. The report alternates case studies submitted by nurses across the world, demonstrating the innovative ways in which they work, with contributions by experts on what nursing is, the challenges we face, and how we can harness the potential of nursing. It looks closely at the various aspects of nursing as well as ways in which working conditions, nursing leadership and patient safety can be improved. In addition to the case studies in the report, ICN publishes a new IND case study every week on the ICN website here.

Mr Catton in his video message accompanying the launch of the toolkit report today spoke of the importance of legacy.

“The report is not only an indication of what nursing is today but what it can be and needs to be to improve global health in the future. In order to make that step change we need to own and drive the legacy of the Year of the Nurse. It’s about addressing nursing shortages and inequality in the profession, unleashing the potential of advanced practice nursing and investing in nursing. In short taking the future into our hands and creating our shared destiny.”

International Nurses Day is celebrated around the world every 12 May, the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth. ICN commemorates this important day each year by selecting a theme and producing and distributing IND resources and evidence. All resources can be found here.

Download the press release here