Investing in nursing makes ‘economic sense’, says ICN

Investing in nursing makes “economic sense”, the president of the International Council of Nurses (ICN) has urged.

Dr Pamela Cipriano made the comment ahead of the International Nurses Day 2024, which will take place on 12 May and carries the theme of “the economic power of care”.

Each year the ICN releases a report to mark nurses’ day and this year it will include evidence from nursing experts, academics and economists on the benefits of investing in nursing.

Specifically, the report will set out how boosting nursing “can catalyse transformative improvements in healthcare delivery, economic development, peace and societal wellbeing”, said the ICN.

Ahead of the event, the ICN has released a series of International Nurses Day posters that showcase the diversity of the profession globally.

Dr Cipriano 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.”

She added: “The world took notice of the compassionate care of nurses during the pandemic and now it’s time for everyone to realise the long-standing and far-reaching effects nurses have for healing the health system itself.”

International Nurses Day takes place on 12 May each year to coincide with the birthdate of Florence Nightingale.

In the UK, the occasion is marked annually with a Florence Nightingale commemoration service at Westminster Abbey, which this year is happening on 15 May.

Meanwhile, 2024 marks a milestone for the UK-based charity named after the famous nurse – the Florence Nightingale Foundation – which has roots in the ICN and is turning 90 in July.