by Susan Sanders, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, Chief Learning & Innovation Officer, CGFNS International
For International Nurses Day (May 12), National Nurses Week (May 6-12) and Nurses Month (May), CGFNS International joins the international community in recognizing the admirable and invaluable contributions nurses make each and every day in the communities they serve.
As an NGO in Consultative Status with the United Nations, CGFNS is committed to leveraging our expertise and partnerships with multinational organizations such as the World Health Organization to promote the nursing profession and empower nurses to reduce inequalities in achieving decent work and economic growth, gender equality, and foster good health and well-being for all.
The theme the International Council of Nurses selected for International Nurses Day 2022 is, “Nurses: A Voice to Lead – Invest in nursing and respect rights to secure global health,” which focuses on the need to protect, support, and invest in the nursing profession to strengthen health systems around the world.
As we honor the global nursing workforce, nothing speaks more to their commitment and sacrifices than their continued leadership in the global fight against COVID-19. CGFNS, in partnership with the International Centre for Nurse Migration (ICNM), published a report that provides a blueprint for what needs to be done at the national and international level to guide nursing workforce planning globally. It states that countries should commit to prioritizing nurses for vaccinations, provide safe staffing levels, expand their domestic nurse education systems, increase the attractiveness of nursing careers for women and men, adhere to ethical international recruitment standards, and monitor countries’ ability to be self-sufficient to meet their nursing workforce requirements.
This year, National Nurses Week, traditionally celebrated from May 6 to May 12 each year, is now a month-long celebration to expand opportunities to elevate and celebrate nursing. As a theme, the American Nurses Association chose, “Nurses Make a Difference” to honor the many ways that nurses have a positive impact on our lives. Nurses make a difference as trusted advocates, providing quality patient care, and by influencing and shaping health policy decisions.
We couldn’t agree more; nurses are vital to the health of our communities before, during, and after the pandemic. Over the past 45 years, CGFNS is proud to have made a difference in the lives of over four million health professionals seeking to advance their career or practice in a new country. We honor their service by joining the ANA in celebrating our nurse heroes, promoting their well-being, and supporting their professional development.
Learn more about CGFNS’ services for nurses here >>
To nurses everywhere, Thank You! Happy International Nurses Day and National Nurses Month.
