Join the BNA in Prioritising the Wellbeing of our Nursing Workforce
Each year, we celebrate International Nurses Day on 12 May, by honouring the heart of our healthcare system; nurses. Their compassion, expertise, and resilience shape the lives of individuals, families, and entire communities. The International Nurses Day 2025 theme is “Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for Nurses Strengthens Economies,” invites us to look deeper into what sustains this vital profession, the health and wellbeing of nurses.
At British Nursing Association, we wholeheartedly support this year’s focus. A strong and supported nursing workforce is essential not only for patient care, but also for the strength of our healthcare systems and the wellbeing of society.
Why Nurse Wellbeing Matters
Nurses give so much of themselves each day, emotionally, mentally, and physically. Whether it’s comforting families, coordinating care, or responding in moments of crisis, nurses consistently show up with skill and compassion. Consequently, many nurses and healthcare workers experience extreme levels of exhaustion, stress, and anxiety.
Many face:
High workloads and fatigue
Emotional pressure and burnout
Limited access to mental health resources
Workplace challenges including understaffing and, at times, a lack of recognition
Supporting nurse wellbeing isn’t just about preventing burnout, it’s about ensuring that those who care for others, also feel valued, and supported. That is why BNA, a proud member of the A24 Group offers various mental health resources, 24/7 counselling services and guidance for each valued member of staff.
Healthier Nurses, Stronger Systems
A healthy nursing workforce benefits everyone. When nurses are well, they can provide higher-quality care, remain in the profession longer, and contribute more fully to their teams and communities.
There is growing recognition that investing in nurse wellbeing helps to:
Improve patient safety and satisfaction
Reduce workforce turnover
Build more resilient health systems
Strengthen economies through a more stable and skilled healthcare sector
In short, when we support our nurses, we support the future of healthcare.
Steps Towards a Supportive Future
Fostering a culture of wellbeing in nursing requires commitment at all levels. Some of the ways we can do this include:
Promoting fair pay and manageable workloads
Providing access to mental health support and counselling
Encouraging professional growth and flexible career pathways
Creating inclusive, respectful working environments
Offering meaningful recognition and peer support
These steps, while practical, also send a powerful message: nurses' matter, not just for the care they give, but for who they are.
Together, Let’s Support Our Nurses
This International Nurses Day offers a meaningful opportunity to reflect on how we can collectively support the wellbeing of those who care for us. From healthcare leaders to colleagues and communities, we all have a role to play in creating environments where nurses feel safe, supported, and valued.
Even small changes, like checking in on a colleague, advocating for fair policies, or promoting a positive workplace culture, can make a lasting difference.
To every nurse reading this: Thank you for your unwavering commitment. Your wellbeing is important, not just to those you care for, but to the future of our health services. You deserve care, compassion, and the resources to thrive both personally and professionally.
Celebrating the Legacy and Looking to the Future
International Nurses Day is more than a time for gratitude. It's a moment to reflect on the lasting impact of nurses, past, present, and future. Held each year on 12th May, Florence Nightingale’s birthday, this global healthcare celebration honours the dedication, resilience, and leadership that define the nursing profession.
We celebrate Florence Nightingale’s legacy by addressing the realities nurses face today and advocating for solutions that truly support their health and wellbeing. From advancing nursing education to nurturing nursing leadership, the message is clear: a well-supported nursing workforce is essential to quality patient care, resilient communities, and thriving economies.
This year’s theme “Caring for Nurses Strengthens Economies” reminds us that nurses are not only caregivers, but also powerful contributors to healthcare policy, community wellness, and system-wide transformation.
Whether you're reflecting on the history and significance of International Nurses Day 2025, recognising nurses’ contributions to healthcare systems, or shaping its future, this year marks a defining opportunity to honour the profession’s evolution, address modern challenges, and ensure nurses everywhere feel protected, respected, and empowered.
Let this year's Nurses Day be more than a celebration. Let it be a turning point. A moment where nurse wellbeing is not a side note, but a central pillar of healthcare progress. Because when nurses are supported, communities thrive, healthcare systems grow stronger, and the future shines brighter for us all.
