International Nurses Day, May 12

International Nurses Day, kicks off on May 12, held annually on the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth. This year, the International Council of Nurses have announced that the theme is Our Nurses. Our Future.

Throughout the pandemic, the importance of nursing has been widely recognised despite workforce shortages in Australia’s aged care industry, yet several experts from the Monash University School of Nursing and Midwifery wanted to express and let the public know how incredible their tireless efforts are.

Associate Professor Helen Rawson, Deputy Head of School at Monash Nursing at Midwifery says that nurses are essential in aged care settings and their expertise in critical thinking, coordination and decision making is key to providing high quality care.

“Never ‘just a nurse’. Nurses are highly skilled, trained and educated healthcare professionals. As the largest group of health professionals, they are vital for every healthcare system, everywhere. Nurses must be everywhere where decisions are being made about healthcare. They are leaders; leading care at the bedside, leading education, leading research, leading policy,” says Associate Professor Rawson.

Associate Professor Philip Russo, Director of Research at Monash School of Nursing and Midwifery and former President of the Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control says that the role nurses play in preventing infection is vital and was on full display during the spread of COVID-19.

“Nurses play a leadership role in developing and implementing infection control programs, policies and education. They also have an important role in antimicrobial stewardship to promote responsible use of antimicrobials and reduce antimicrobial resistance, in surveillance and monitoring of infections and patient education and research,” says Associate Professor Russo.

Medication Management Review (MMR) Accredited Pharmacist and Board Certified Geriatric Pharmacist Professor Elizabeth Manias says that nurses are generally the last safeguard to ensure that medication has been correctly supplied, prescribed and administered.

“Due to their constant presence in health care settings, nurses monitor medication therapy accurately and regularly, to ensure benefits are achieved while minimising unwanted effects. Nurses are highly skilled critical thinkers who play an important role in patient-centred care and patient engagement,” she says.

Master of Advanced Clinical Nursing — Nurse Practitioner specialisation Course Coordinator at Monash School of Nursing and Midwifery, Vanessa Clothier is the Victorian Chapter Chair of the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners (ACNP).

Ms Clothier, a Nurse Practitioner herself, believes that the advanced clinical nursing practice, which contributes to research, leadership and care for patients and clients, should be given greater emphasis in the healthcare system.

“Nurse Practitioners in Australia comprise less than one percent of all nurses,” says Ms Clothier, “These advanced clinicians are being under-utilised in a healthcare environment that is heaving under its own weight. Why is that?”

So, if you see a nurse on Friday, make sure to celebrate them and their contributions to the community.