ICN releases posters, digital resources for International Nurses Day - One month until #IND2024!

Supporting and investing in nursing not only improves the health and well-being of populations, but it also boosts economic growth and strengthens health care systems. ICN’s International Nurses Day theme this year, Our Nurses. Our Future. The economic power of care, illuminates the benefits of elevating the nursing profession with an in-depth analysis of how the nursing profession is transforming health care delivery, economic development, peace and societal well-being.

Today, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) released a series of posters and a virtual background for use by nurses, nursing associations, clinics and supporters of nursing to celebrate this special day.

International Nurses Day (IND) is celebrated around the world on 12 May, the birthdate of Florence Nightingale. This year, the IND theme, chosen by ICN, reflects the aim to reshape perceptions, demonstrating how strategic investment in nursing can bring considerable economic and societal benefits.

Dr Pamela Cipriano, ICN President said:

“This International Nurses Day we are highlighting the economic reasons for investing in nursing jobs, education and leadership. By presenting clear evidence, we aim to show that investing in nursing has benefits that go beyond health in and of itself. Investing in nursing makes economic sense, is essential for us to achieve universal health coverage, and is a significant step towards a healthier, more prosperous global community. The world took notice of the compassionate care of nurses during the pandemic and now it’s time for everyone to realize the long-standing and far-reaching effects nurses have for healing the health system itself.”

IND resources currently on the ICN website include five posters reflecting the diversity of nursing work, the IND logo and virtual backgrounds for Teams and Zoom, as well as an updated ICN Charter for Change, which lists ten action points for governments to implement to be able to address global health challenges and improve global health for all.

An IND report to accompany this year’s theme: Our Nurses. Our Future. The economic power of care, will be released just prior to 12 May during a special IND webinar will be held at 14:00-15:00 CEST on 10 May. To register for the IND webinar click here.

The 2024 IND report will include evidence presented by nursing experts, academics and economists to reveal the economic benefits of investing in nursing. It will present an in-depth analysis of how elevating the nursing profession can catalyse transformative improvements in health care delivery, economic development, peace and societal well-being.

International Nurses Day is celebrated around the world every 12 May, the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth. ICN commemorates this important day each year with the production and distribution of the International Nurses Day (IND) resources and evidence.