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A Salute to Amazing Nurses: International Nurses' Day 2022


Thursday 12th May is International Nurses' Day — a day to celebrate the incredible work nurses do all over the world, every day. From providing essential healthcare in times of crisis to supporting people through difficult life transitions, nurses make a huge impact on society. 
As the International Council of Nurses’ chief executive, Howard Catton, explains: "The pandemic has shown us only too clearly that we need real investment in the profession of nursing in order to secure global health. And nurses' rights, safety and wellbeing must be addressed now."

In the UK, we are all aware of the struggles faced by our healthcare professionals including nurses.  These challenges were further compounded by the pressures of Covid; what was already a challenged work-life balance, became even more unmanageable for many nurses. This has resulted in many leaving the NHS over the last few months.  There are many public voices and discussions on enhancing their work-life balance, paying them better so that we can continue to support our nursing community.   

This year's International Nurses’ Day theme is #BestOfNursing. In this blog, we’ve curated a selection of stories, past and present, that showcase the incredible work and difference nurses make to patients' lives. Please do get involved on social media using the hashtag #BestOfNursing.
#BestOfNursing from around the world

Nurses Train Peers in Moldova and Ukraine to Care for Refugees

Nurses in Moldova and Ukraine are dealing with an influx of refugees turning to them for medical care. Many of these refugees are from the conflict in Ukraine and they often arrive at the border wounded or sick.

Local nurses have been trained by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to deal with emergencies and they are now passing on their knowledge to their peers. They hope that by training more nurses, they will be able to provide better care for all refugees.

 
 
The campaign aims to help India-trained nurses overcome barriers to UK registration

Thousands of India-trained nurses have been unable to achieve registration in the UK, despite living and working in the country for years.

The UK's largest nursing union, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), has launched a campaign to support these nurses and help them overcome the barriers they face. The RCN is calling on the government to urgently review the rules around registration, which it says are unfair and outdated.

"These nurses have made a huge contribution to the NHS and society, but their careers are being held back because of an outdated system," said RCN general secretary Dame Donna Kinnair.

"It is time for the government to urgently review the rules around registration so that these nurses can progress in their careers and continue to make a vital contribution to patient care."

 
 

Professor Annie Altschul: mental health nursing pioneer
Professor Annie Altschul was a German-born nurse who made a huge contribution to the development of mental health nursing in the UK. She came to the UK in 1933 as a Jewish refugee from Nazi Germany and went on to train as a psychiatric nurse at the Maudsley Hospital in London.

During her career, Altschul helped to establish the first psychiatric intensive care unit in the UK and played a key role in developing the profession of mental health nursing. She was also a leading voice in the fight against discrimination and stigma and campaigned for improved conditions for patients.

"Mental health nurses make a vital contribution to society, but they are often overlooked and undervalued. "I am proud to be part of a profession that makes such a difference to people's lives." — Professor Altschul.

With May also coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Week, there has never been a more appropriate time to celebrate the work of Professor Annie Altschul.

 
 

Nurses from abroad are in high demand in North Dakota and across the U.S.​  

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that there will be a shortage of more than one million nurses in America by 2025. This shortage is being driven by an ageing population and a large number of nurses retiring.
Recruiting nurses from other countries is one way to help fill this shortfall.
"Nurses from other countries bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the U.S. healthcare system," said Dr. Jane Kirschling, dean of the University of Maryland School of Nursing. "They play a vital role in providing high-quality patient care."

Sri Lankan Prime Minister instructs to start National Nursing University.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has instructed the Ministry of Health to start a National Nursing University in order to meet the country's future nursing needs; there is a shortage of qualified nurses in Sri Lanka.

"The time has come to invest in the future of nursing in Sri Lanka," said Rajapaksa. "This university will help us meet the challenges we face and provide high-quality patient care." The government is also working to improve conditions for nurses in Sri Lanka.

 
 
 

#BestOfNursing

As we mark International Nurses' Day, we ask you to share your stories of resilience and compassion using the hashtag #BestOfNursing.
Let's all take a moment to thank a nurse in our life. Nurses play a vital role in our healthcare system, and we are grateful for their dedication to their patients and their profession.

Thank you, nurses, from everyone here at Medicareplus.