Celebrating the beating heart of healthcare on International Nurses Day

When we think of healthcare, images of hospitals, technology, and treatments may come to mind, but at the very centre of it all are nurses. These dedicated professionals are the beating heart of healthcare, working around the clock to provide care, comfort, and critical support to patients and families alike. As we pause to celebrate nurses, we recognise not just what they do, but who they are, skilled, compassionate, and unwavering in their commitment to others.

Nursing is more than a job. It is a calling grounded in empathy, resilience, and a deep sense of purpose. Whether comforting a patient at their most vulnerable, educating families, or responding in a crisis, nurses are often the first and last point of contact in a healthcare journey. Their presence is constant and essential. They are a steady hand and a calming voice.

The roots of nursing trace back to ancient civilizations, where care for the sick was often provided by family members, religious orders, or community healers. However, modern nursing as we know it began to take shape in the 19th Century, largely thanks to the pioneering work of Florence Nightingale. During the Crimean War, Nightingale revolutionised battlefield care and introduced hygiene practices that dramatically reduced mortality rates. Her emphasis on sanitation, observation, and compassionate care laid the foundation for nursing as a profession.

In the 20th century, nursing rapidly evolved alongside advances in medicine and public health. Formal training schools emerged, professional standards were established, and nurses gained increased recognition as critical healthcare providers.

Today, nursing is a global profession, practiced in locations as diverse as hospitals, homes, disaster zones and remote clinics. While technology and techniques have changed, the essence of nursing, specifically, human connection, care, and advocacy, remain timeless.

Modern nursing encompasses an incredible range of specialisations and settings. From aged care homes to emergency rooms, from rural clinics to international disaster zones, nurses are on the frontline, often adapting to ever-changing challenges while maintaining high standards of care. But nurses are also educators, leaders, advocates, and innovators. They play a vital role in promoting public health, shaping policy, and mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals.

International Nurses Day is more than just a date on the calenda, it’s a powerful reminder of the critical role nurses play in keeping our communities healthy and safe.
Celebrating this day is our chance to say thank you, to honour their compassion, highlight their contributions, and raise awareness about the challenges they face. It’s also a moment to support the profession and invest in the future of healthcare.

Celebrating nurses also means taking action to support them. That includes advocating for safe staffing ratios, investing in ongoing education, ensuring mental health support, and recognising the unique pressures they face.

To all nurses, we see you, we appreciate you and most of all, we thank you. You are not only caregivers but lifelines, making healthcare work in every corner of our communities.

You are the beating heart of healthcare and we’re grateful for you every day.