Nursing is both a science and an art. It defines the protection and optimization of health and recovery from diseases. The international nursing day is celebrated on the 12th of May every year in the remembrance of Florence Nightingale also known as “The Lady with the Lamp” because of her unforgettable services paid towards the wounded soldiers during the Crimean war.
This day is specially and specifically observed as an acknowledgment of the compassion, devotion, and commitment to patient care. This day encourages everyone across the globe to celebrate the noble profession. It provides the public with the necessary information about the hard-working people no less than the soldiers and the doctors.
Nurses work tirelessly all around the year providing people all due attention and empathy the need to heal their wounds and live their life again with the same passion as they had before the ailment. A strong health system is greatly associated with strong nursing system.
Role of nurses:
Following are the primary roles played by nurses while advocating and caring the individuals:
- Record the symptoms and medical history of the patient
- Advocacy of health and patients wellbeing
- Collaboration for making a plan
- Medicinal administration and treatment
- Performance of diagnostic test
- Educating patients
- Management of illness
- Assuring psychological wellbeing of patient and family
Problems faced by nurses:
Although the nursing community provides an unending support to the society, the nurses are still facing greater challenges in this complex healthcare environment i.e.
- Short staffing
- Long working hours
- Workplace troubles
- Bullying and harassment
- Violence during work
- Less income
- Low scale jobs
- Lower chances of progress
The theme for 2020 is Nurses: a Voice to lead – Nursing the World to Health. It will encourage nurses and the public to celebrate the big day, but also provide information and resources that will help to raise the profile of the profession throughout the year.
As we mark this day, WHO urges countries to ensure:
- The occupational safety and health of nurses and all health workers, including notably, unhindered access to personal protective equipment so they can safely provide care and reduce infections in health care settings.
- Nurses and all health care workers have access to mental health support, timely pay, sick leave and insurance; as well as access to the most up-to-date knowledge and guidance required to respond to all health needs, including outbreaks.
- Nurses are given the financial support and other resources required to help respond to and control covid-19 and future outbreaks.