The president of the International Council of Nurses (ICN) insisted that investing in nursing makes “economic sense”.
Dr. Pamela Cipriano made the comments ahead of the International Day of Nursing 2024, to be held on May 12th, with the theme 'The Economic Power of Care'.
ICN releases a report each year to mark Nurses' Day, and this year it will include evidence from nursing experts, academics and economists on the benefits of investing in nursing.
Specifically, ICN said the report will reveal how strengthening nursing “can foster transformative improvements in health care delivery, economic development, peace, and social welfare.”
Prior to the event, ICN released a series of International Nurses Day posters showcasing the diversity of the world's profession.
Dr. Cipriano said: “This International Day of Nursing, we are highlighting the economic reasons to invest in nursing work, education and leadership.
“By presenting clear evidence, we aim to show that investing in nursing has benefits beyond health itself.
“Investing in nursing makes economic sense, is essential to achieving universal health coverage, and is an important step toward a healthier and more prosperous global society.”
She added: “During the pandemic, the world has focused on the compassionate care of nurses, but now is the time for everyone to recognize the long-standing and far-reaching impact nurses have had in healing the health system itself.” It’s time to do it,” he added.
International Nursing Day is celebrated on May 12th every year, coinciding with Florence Nightingale's birthday.
In the UK, Florence Nightingale's memorial service is held every year at Westminster Abbey, and this year it will be held on May 15th.
Meanwhile, 2024 is a milestone year for the Florence Nightingale Foundation, a UK-based charity named after the famous nurse who has roots in ICN and turns 90 in July.
Some of the posters released for International Nursing Day 2024
