2025 International Nurses Day Write-up by Olabanji Joel Orolugbagbe

"Caring for Nurses: The Key to a Stronger Economy"

The 2025 International Nurses Day theme, "Our Nurses, Our Future; Caring for Nurses Strengthens Economies," resonates deeply with nurses worldwide. As the International Council of Nurses (ICN) aptly puts it, "Building on the success of the 2024 International Nurses Day theme, The Economic Power of Care, the 2025 theme shifts focus to the health and wellbeing of nurses."





The Unseen Struggles of Nurses

Nursing has evolved significantly over the years, with numerous specialities and forms of care aimed at promoting patient health, preventing illness, and facilitating coping with disabilities and nursing patients to a peaceful death. However, the emotional, physical, social, and financial toll on nurses remains largely unaddressed. Who cares for the heart that cares? The increasing workload, economic pressures, and fear of litigation have made nursing jobs more challenging than ever. Several nurses have left the profession to go into other forms of jobs with less hassle but guaranteed better pay. Are we going to blame people leaving or work on increasing the values placed on the profession and professionals so that more people won't leave?

How do we get the coming generation to study and practice nursing?

The Consequences of Neglecting Nurse Well-being

Nurses are at high risk of burnout due to long hours of shift, increased work load and increased demands from patients and their relatives. However, despite the stress that is experienced during the usual shift, many nurses work even when on annual leave, just to make ends meet. It would be good to note that many are unable to afford going on sick leave due to reduced pay that would come with staying off work and daily life bills to pay. Despite this, they must maintain their NMC Pin and license to practice by safely managing the patients and several complaints. The heavy workload, economic hardship, and family expectations take a toll on our physical and mental health. Regular health check-ups, adequate rest, and social life become luxuries we can't afford 

The Economic Benefits of Caring for Nurses

Caring for nurses is crucial for strengthening economies. A happy, well-rested nurse provides better care, leading to improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs. Healthy nurses contribute to a productive workforce, driving economic growth. Investing in nurse well-being is not just a moral imperative; it's an economic necessity.

Conclusion

As we celebrate International Nurses Day, let's acknowledge the value of nurses and prioritize their well-being. By doing so, we'll not only improve patient care but also strengthen our economies.

Nurses are the heart of the health care system. Therefore, the heart needs to be kept healthy so that other parts can continuously get the needed support needed for growth and development.

Thank you.

Happy International Nurses Day

Comments

  1. Napoleon12 May 2025 at 16:42

    Great piece. It’s high time nurse show more compassion to themselves

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Reality of Marriage: Beyond Love by Olabanji Joel Orolugbagbe

Image
In my three years of marriage and what I have seen of marriages around me, I have come to realize that every day is an opportunity to celebrate love, foster understanding, practice forgiveness, and make sacrifices. Contrary to the notion that all you need for a successful marriage is love, I have learned that it takes intentional effort and investment from both partners. Sacrifices and forgiveness are just as crucial as love in making a marriage last, peaceful, and happy. Marriage is often romanticized, but the reality is that it requires hard work and dedication, which many marriage speakers tend not to speak about. Love alone isn't enough; financial stability also plays a significant role in strengthening the bond in marriage. Forgiveness and sacrifice are essential, not just during challenging times but as a continuous process. Both partners must be willing to sacrifice their individual interests and preferences to maintain peace and harmony and family growth. As the saying goes...
Read more

PRIORITIZING WHAT MATTERS by Olabanji Joel Orolugbagbe

Image
Yesterday, I discharged a very demanding patient home. As she was about to leave the ward with her daughter, she called me over for a hug and expressed her gratitude. She told her daughter that I was a good nurse and was happy that I was part of her care team throughout her hospital stay. This gesture hit me differently, and it motivated me to do even more for my patients. As an adult with family responsibilities, I have come to realize that my profession is not just a job but a source of sustenance. I have learned to prioritize my role as a nurse above every thing I was actively doing before having a family, and the appreciation from patients like this one means a lot to me. Recently, I had a conversation with my cousin, and I shared with him that the only thing that can get under my skin is being told I am not good at my job because I see it as a threat to my source of livelihood and if genuinely done, I see it as a push to improve myself. I have accepted that I have shifted my focus...
Read more