International Nurses Day was first celebrated in January 1965 by the International Council of Nurses (ICN) to honor and acknowledge nurses' contributions. In 1974, the date was moved to coincide with Florence Nightingale’s birthday. The University of Edinburgh has played a prominent role in shaping nursing education and research across Europe. Through pioneering programmes, interdisciplinary research, and leadership in healthcare innovation, our institution has helped advance the profession and equip generations of nurses with the skills to drive meaningful change. This year’s International Nurses Day theme, ‘Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for Nurses Strengthens Economies’, highlights the vital link between the wellbeing of nurses and the strength of our health systems and economies. It’s a powerful reminder that supporting nurses isn’t just a matter of compassion but a strategic investment in global prosperity and public health.Building on the success of last year’s theme, the 2025 campaign shifts the focus toward the health, wellbeing, and resilience of the nursing workforce itself. A thriving, supported nursing profession is fundamental to strong healthcare delivery and better outcomes for communities everywhere.The School of Health in Social Science proudly celebrates the extraordinary contributions of our nursing staff and students. Whether through innovative research, inspiring teaching, or mentorship on clinical placements, these individuals play a vital role in shaping the future of healthcare and making a real difference in people’s lives. To mark International Nurses Day, we spoke with staff and students from across the University to hear what the day means to them and why now is such an exciting time to be part of the nursing profession. Being part of the University of Edinburgh’s Nursing programme means learning from leaders who prove every day that care is both compassionate and powerful. At a time when health systems are under strain, it’s clearer than ever that nurses are essential – not only at the bedside, but in shaping policy, research, and innovation. It’s inspiring to think that we are part of a profession that doesn’t just heal – it sustains communities and drives future change. Conchi Final Year Student My aim and passion in my role at the University of Edinburgh is to equip our nursing students with the critical ability to understand and work in the reality of the complex and dynamic systems of health care provision in the 21st century. However, whilst preparing nurses for leadership, research and decision making roles, the heart of the nursing degree programmes is the primacy of compassion and respect for the people in their care; to understand their health needs, their social and cultural contexts and their unique human responses to the experience of health and illness. Tonks Fawcett Professor of Student Learning (Nurse Education) Do you have what it takes to be a nurse? Find out more about our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes on our Degree Finder. Related links: BN (Hons) Nursing Master of Nursing with Pre-Registration (Adult) Our nursing community International Nurses Day Tags 2025 Publication date 09 May, 2025
