In the International Nurses Day, the EFN wants to shed the light on the great contribution of nurses and on their vital role to deliver excellence and high-quality care in the healthcare on a daily basis.
As demonstrated by Covid-19 pandemic, more than ever, nurses have an essential role in running the healthcare systems in the EU, always at the frontline of care for patients doing their utmost to provide high quality and safe care.
Nurses through their relentless commitment, expertise, professionalism, bravery, and heroic actions have saved countless numbers of lives. Despite ongoing challenges they are facing and the difficult and stressful working conditions, nurses continue to tackle the situations with incredible strength and dedication to ensure the smooth functioning of the healthcare systems and the well-being of their patients. But, what about their own health and well-being? It is key to pay attention to the needs of frontline nurses and ensure safe working environments, adequate remuneration and gender equity.
It is time for the governments and health systems to invest in nursing education and in a resilient Nursing Workforce to address the growing nursing shortage. Nursing is the solution to address the world’s growing health care needs. As such, they have to take part in the decision-making process at all levels and in all aspects of health and healthcare.
In addition to Covid-19, nurses are facing a new challenge. With the war in Ukraine, the EFN and ICN have been collaborating closely to support the nurses in Ukraine, and its neighbouring countries’ members’ Associations helping the refugees, and the Ukrainian nurses’ still in Ukraine and those who have left the country. The EFN Members got a clear insight on how the EFN and ICN provide concrete support to them and which initiatives at local, national, EU and international levels have been put in place to support those fleeing the war.
On this special day, we want to thank all the nurses who risk their lives every day to save someone else’s.
Happy International Nurses’ Day, today and every day!
>> Read here letter from EFN President, EFN Executive Committee and EFN Secretary General to the EFN Members.
>> Read here a “Small address from a retired nurse…”, by EFN Member – Yves Mengal (FNIB).