Over 160 events supported by the Australian College of Nursing are being held across the country in celebration of International Nurses Day (12 May).
“International Nurses Day is a day to celebrate and acknowledge each and every nurse who contributes to the profession and provides care to Australians all day, every day, everywhere,” said Australian College of Nursing CEO Adjunct Professor Kylie Ward FACN.
The International Council of Nurses announced this year’s themes as ‘Nurses: A Voice to Lead – Health for All’.
“The leadership nurses provide and contribution the profession makes in the delivery of best practice health care is increasingly being recognised, but there is still some way to go,” Adjunct Professor Ward said.
“Internationally, the Nursing Now campaign, which ACN is leading in Australia, strives to raise the status and profile of nursing. Each year, International Nurses Day also reminds us of the vital role nurses play.
“This year, International Nurses Day asks us to seek to ensure equal access and quality of care for all Australians. Nurses are key patient advocates and believe equality is a fundamental human right. ACN condemns any kind of discrimination in our health care system, be it on the basis of race, age, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender or disability.
“It is inspiring to see nurses come together across the country to mark International Nurses Day and reflect on how far we have come as a profession and how far we still want to go.”
