International Nurses Day- ICN Press Release

International Nurses Day stresses nurses ’ contribution to creating resilient health systems Geneva, On the occasion of International Nurses Day, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) today stressed the need for nurses to contribute to developing strong and resilient health systems locally, nationally and globally .

 “As the single largest group of health professionals , with a presence in all settings , nurses can make an enormous impact on the resilience of health systems ,” said ICN President, Dr Judith Shamian. 

“By promoting the nursing voice, we can help guide improvements in the quality of health service delivery and inform health systems strengthening. ” ICN has brought this issue to light on the occasion of International Nurses Day, with the publication of an information and action toolkit entitled, “ Nurses: A Force for Change: Improving health systems’ resilience ” . 

The kit examines the many ways in which nurses can contribute to developing strong and resilient health systems, and provides guidance for nurses and policy makers . The kit’s tools, information and ideas for action assist and encourage nurses and national nurses associations to become engaged in policy . N urses’ input into health sector policies will help ensure that supportive work environments for practice are taken into account when policies are reformed . “It is our duty to ensure that governments and policymakers understand that c onfident, well - informed nursing leaders who u nderstand their role in developing a workforce to meet new challenges are essential to ensure the success of the S ustainable Development Goals and to meet the h ealth challenges of the future, “ said Dr Frances Hughes, ICN’s Chief Executive Officer . 

International Nurses Day is celebrated around the world on 12 May, the birthday of Florence Nightingale. The ICN International Nurses Day toolkit can be accessed on the ICN website: www.icn.ch