The Heart of Nursing

To recognise and celebrate International Nurses Day, this webinar will shine a light on nurses who are working in challenging environments around the world. We will hear stories from nurses who have experienced work in communities that have become affected by conflict and natural disasters, and who have maintained health care delivery when routine services have been interrupted. Through this webinar, we aim to learn that through the experiences of others, we can improve our current day-to-day practices and we can learn how to provide effective support to those working in crisis situations. As we celebrate the 28 million men and women around the world who make up our global nursing family, we will remind ourselves that our profession is the beating heart of our health systems and one who’s light will continue to shine wherever we work. 

Background 

International Nurses Day has typically been a day to shine a light on Nursing around the world - its achievements, its challenges, and its opportunities.

This year the bright lights we see are fires raging - in countries where there is conflict, natural and economic disasters, and the ongoing crisis of a pandemic far from over.

There is no health without peace and as these fires continue to burn our fight for Universal Health Coverage and “Health for All” seems a fragile goal.

Yet in the midst of these worldwide catastrophes and despite the flames around them, in every corner of the globe, nurses are at work - leading health programs, educating communities, vaccinating millions, and providing expert clinical care - all too often working in dangerous, austere and unpredictable conditions.

Their stories of skill, kindness, compassion, and love are rarely told. Their commitment to the patients they care for is not always noted, their skill and expertise is not celebrated enough, and the critical roles they play in times of crisis cannot be underestimated.

As a global community, we stand together in support of one another. But to provide support and solidarity we must take time to understand the different and often frightening experiences that many nurses have had.

On International Nurses Day we want to hear stories from nurses who have worked in areas of conflict and disaster.  We are asking them to tell us what it is like and to share their real and lived experiences with us. Through storytelling, it is hoped that we can learn more about nursing in crisis situations and through this learning, identify areas where support can be given to strengthening nurses working in these arenas.

For many patients in these situations, receiving care from a nurse may be the difference between life or death. Hearing patients’ stories provide us with insights and perspective that can educate and inform, contributing to the development of policy and training.

Through this webinar, we aim to learn that through the experiences of others, we can improve our current day-to-day practices. We can learn how to better support those working in crisis situations and on a day where we celebrate the 28 million men and women around the world who make up our global nursing family, we will remind ourselves that our profession is the beating heart of our health systems and one who’s shining light must prevail, no matter what. 

Webinar Agenda