Born more than two centuries ago, Nightingale transformed the profession of nursing across the globe. International Nurses Day is celebrated on May 12, the anniversary of Nightingale’s birth.
Today, nurses world-wide continue to live out Nightingale’s legacy – spending their days using their unique skills and knowledge tending to the health and wellbeing of their patients. Because of the profoundly important role nurses play, ensuring the health and wellbeing of nurses is paramount.
This year’s International Nurses Day theme, “Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for nurses strengthens economies,” speaks directly to the heart of our Australian healthcare system.
Registered and Enrolled Nurses across the country are essential to the wellbeing of our communities everywhere: from bustling city hospitals to rural clinics, community care settings and aged care facilities. Investing in the support and safety of nurses isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s a strategic move that strengthens health outcomes and boosts our national resilience.
As we celebrate International Nurses Day 2025, we recognise the dedication and expertise of Australian nurses. A healthy nursing workforce is the foundation on which quality health systems are developed and health outcomes for individuals and communities can flourish.
Today, we would like to say thank you to nurses everywhere: thank you for your commitment, your skills and knowledge, your expertise, your patience, your compassion and for standing with people during some of their most vulnerable moments.
