International Nurses Day: Role and Importance of Nurses

On May 12 every year, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) shows their tribute to the global nurse community by observing the International Nurses Day. It is also the date of birth of the founder and proponent of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale. The ICN has also come up with a compilation of relevant case studies to reflect on the roles nurses play in healthcare.

The case studies are highlighted on the official website and provide insights into the unique world of nurses. It also helps us realize the value of nurses and why it is important to celebrate their contribution to our health. Read on to learn more about the importance of International Nurses Day 2022 and the International Nurses Day theme.

International Nurses Day 2022 theme 

The International Nurses Day theme for 2022 is Nurses: A Voice to Lead - Invest in nursing and respect rights to secure global health. This theme was chosen to help focus on the need to support, protect and provide more resources to the nursing profession [1]. This, in turn, will help strengthen health systems around the world. 

During the pandemic, the real scenario of the healthcare sector came to the spotlight, with healthcare workers like nurses going through a number of crises. Here are a few common issues that nurses face to date at their workplace:

• Harassment from people in general, especially the ones associated with patients
• Long and abnormal working hours
• Exposure to infections
• Unfair treatment when it comes to their value and wages 

International Nurses Day is celebrated to ensure nurses receive proper financial support and resources, among the other important facilities [2].

All about the roles played by nurses and their importance

The typical roles nurses play in healthcare include providing care to patients and supporting doctors in the path of treatment. Other crucial responsibilities they bear include monitoring vital parameters of patients, noting down their medical history for the doctor’s perusal, helping patients to understand prescriptions, and more.

Nurses are caregivers for patients and assist with overseeing the whole medical process, including aftercare and improvement in condition. All through the treatment interaction, nurses follow the progress of patients and alert the doctors if the need arises.

This kind of care and treatment are integral to improvement in health when we face any kind of illness or treatment. Nurses are the ones who administer the medicines and conduct blood or other tests, making them the first point of contact for you. Nurses have and will always be at the forefront of change in healthcare and public health.

Ways in which we can help our nurses this International Nurses Day and beyond

During this International Nurses Day and even after that, you can pledge to help the nurse community around you. Here are a few possible ways to do so. 

• Follow proper protocols when in hospitals, like taking your medications and food on time based on what your nurse has instructed you.
• Donate blood if you are eligible to help other patients under the care of nurses
• Talk to nurses to understand what you can do to help them or simply make them feel seen, heard, and appreciated 
• Donate to ICN or your local nursing associations 
• Volunteer with nurses during medical camps as and when you can
• Don’t forget to thank your nurses [3] and wish them a Happy International Nurses Day on May 12! 

International Nurses Day is celebrated globally to recognize the nurses who are at the forefront of patient care and the healthcare ecosystem. As you observe this day, remember that days like these bring to our attention various facets of life that we may not think about on a daily basis. By celebrating days like World Health Day or World Liver Day, you can focus on important aspects of health or your body with care and attention.

As you give your health the attention it deserves, watches out for any concerning symptoms. Don’t hesitate to book an online appointment with your preferred doctor on Bajaj Finserv Health, and avail treatment right from home! You can also cover your healthcare expenses with our range of Aarogya Care plans and enjoy benefits like network discounts, OPD benefits, preventive healthcare, pre- and post-hospitalization coverage, and more.