Today, May 12th is International Nurses Day. On this special day, we express our respect to all nurses around the world. They have dedicated their lives to caring for patients, often at the forefront of healthcare services.
Many people believe that doctors are the most important individuals in healthcare provision, but this is not entirely true. Nurses play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being, safety, and health of patients in all healthcare facilities. Nurses require considerable skill. They always work in decision-making roles in challenging environments, providing constant care to the sick and injured.
In observance of International Nurses Day 2024, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) has designated the theme "Our Nurses, Our Future. The economic power of care."
The purpose of International Nurses Day is to show respect and appreciation to all nurses worldwide. In 1953, Dorothy Sutherland, a health, education and welfare official in the United States, proposed the idea of declaring a "Nurses Day" to then President Dwight D. Eisenhower. However, he did not approve her proposal at that time. May 12th holds significant importance for all nurses as it marks the birthday of Florence Nightingale, who is considered as the founder of modern nursing. Since 1965, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) has been celebrating this day as an important event. Finally, in January 1974, this day was officially declared as International Nurses Day. Since then it has been celebrated annually.
British social reformer Florence Nightingale served as a trainer and organizer of nurses during the Crimean War (1853-1856). She organized the care of injured soldiers and became an icon of the Victorian era culture. In 1860, she established a nursing school, laying the foundation for professional nursing. It was at St. Thomas Hospital in London, which is now part of Kings College London. It was the worlds first non-denominational nursing school. Her societal reforms included promoting womens participation in the workforce and advocating for the repeal of the Contagious Diseases Acts, which were challenging for women.
In Bangladesh, the nursing profession has seen significant development. In 2011, Honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina honoured senior staff nurses as second-class officers. In collaboration with South Korea, the National Institute of Advanced Nursing Education and Research (NIANER) was established in 2016 to provide higher education in nursing. On May 12, 2018, Honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated this institution, where masters degrees in six nursing disciplines are offered. The institution operates under Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. Additionally, in 2022, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University also started offering masters courses in nursing.
From the current year (2024), Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University has also started offering Ph.D. courses in nursing. Until now, to pursue a Ph.D. one had to go abroad. In government nursing colleges, faculty recruitment through PSC (Public Service Commission) has not yet started. Its time for that to happen. Hopefully, qualified individuals will be recruited through PSC soon.
The standard of a countrys healthcare services depends on 80% nursing services. Nursing has made significant contributions to healthcare in Bangladesh over the years. The sacrifices and dedication of nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic prove their commitment to the welfare of the country and its people. According to the World Health Organization, the doctor-to-nurse ratio is 1:3. However, the number of nurses in Bangladesh is still significantly low compared to the need. Nevertheless, in recent years, the government has recruited many nurses.
Nurses listen to the pain, helplessness and complaints of patients and their families with great humility. Despite exhaustion and inadequacy, they strive to alleviate everyones suffering. They listen to all the cries, complaints and grievances of patients and their families. Nurses must be extremely patient. They are like relatives to the patients.
Let the dignity and quality of life of everyone involved in the nursing profession improve; that is the hope for todays world. When the nurses are well, so are the patients.
The writer is Lecturer, Department of Graduate Nursing, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University
