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12 May 2020
Today the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) has thanked all nurses for their care for individuals and communities during such challenging times.
International Nurses Day is held annually on 12 May to celebrate the contribution the nursing profession makes to the health of people across the world. This year’s theme is ‘A voice to lead: Nursing the world to health.’
Chair of the NMBA, Associate Professor Lynette Cusack, said that this year it was particularly important to recognise the contribution nurses in all areas of health.
‘This year is particularly significant for two reasons,’ Associate Professor Cusack said.
‘First, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has made 2020 the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife. The NMBA and other health bodies across the world are coming together to advocate for recognition of these vital professions. The WHO has calculated that the world needs 9 million more nurses and midwives if it is to achieve universal health coverage by 2030.
‘We are also living through a worldwide pandemic and seeing how quickly nurses respond and adapt to a health crisis to meet the needs of their communities.’
Associate Professor Cusack asked nurses to remember to take care of their own health during the COVID-19 pandemic, too.
‘The NMBA funds an independent health support service, Nurse & Midwife Support, which gives nurses confidential support for health issues. If you need to talk to someone who understands the profession, please get in touch with the service.’
Nurse & Midwife Support is an independent service which can be reached 24 hours a day on 1800 667 877.