May 12, the birth day of Florence Nightingale, the woman considered the founder of modern nursing, is a benchmark for the global health community as World Nurses Day is commemorated. Established in 1965 at the initiative of the International Council of Nurses (ICN), this day recognises the enduring and invaluable contribution of nurses in the defence of public health.
The day is a day that is a key symbol of the importance of nurses in the world.
On the occasion of World Nurses Day, the international health community pays tribute to the professionals who are on the frontline of care every day, supporting patients, families and health systems. This year’s message from the International Council of Nurses highlights that empowering nurses is not only a recognition of their work, but a necessary investment for a safer and more humane future in health.
Thanos Dimopoulos (Professor of Therapeutics – Oncology – Haematology, Director of the Therapeutic Clinic, former Rector of the University of Athens) says that for 2026, the motto “Our Nurses, Our Future, Empowered Nurses Save Lives” highlights the crucial role of nurses in shaping sustainable and resilient health systems. The emphasis is on the need to strengthen the nursing workforce, not only as a pillar of care, but also as a key driver of social and economic development. In an environment of increasing challenges, nurses are called upon to meet complex demands, often under conditions of understaffing and increased professional pressure.”
“International literature demonstrates that investing in the wellbeing and support of nurses is directly linked to improving the quality of health services and patient safety. The role of nurses is particularly important in recording adverse drug reactions as they have very close patient follow-up. Particularly in recent years, the participation of qualified nurses in clinical trials is a prerequisite for the reliability of studies,”
International organisations and health bodies are calling on governments to make substantial interventions to create safe and supportive working environments, strengthen education and ensure decent working conditions. “Addressing the causes that lead to burnout and disengagement is a critical priority,” the professor stresses.
“In honouring the work of nurses, we continue to draw inspiration from the legacy of Florence Nightingale, who inspired and continues to inspire thousands of nurses to continue the work of nursing, keeping alive the values of care, scientific knowledge and humanity. Empowering nurses today is an investment in the future of healthcare for all, both nationally and internationally,” he concludes.
Panhellenic Medical Association (PIS)
World Nurses’ Day is commemorated by PIS, recognising the immeasurable contribution of nurses to the healthcare system.
“PIS recognises the great burden that nurses bear on their shoulders, both in the NHS and in the private sector, and stands by their side in support of their demands for exhausting shifts, low wages, but also the incidents of violence – verbal, psychological and physical – for which it even included them in the campaigns of previous years for “violence in the white blouse”, the Association said in a statement and added:
“As direct partners of doctors, nurses in the country are fighting a daily battle to keep health care at a high level for the benefit of citizens. However, it is well known that vacancies in hospitals across the country create extremely difficult working conditions, with the demand for mass recruitment being a constant, as it is for doctors.”
