Invest in nursing and respect rights

Nurses continue to be challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic; yet far from backing down in the face of these challenges, they have stood up to them with incredible strength and dedication despite difficult and even life-threatening working conditions. The daily care nurses provide in all settings is now receiving more recognition and accolades from the public, yet little in the way of serious investment from governments and health systems.

It is now time for governments and health systems to invest in nursing education, address the growing nursing shortage, provide positive practice environments and adequate remuneration, ensure gender equity and involve nurses in decision making at all levels in all aspects of health and healthcare.

Nursing is the solution to address the world’s growing health care needs.  Investment in the nursing workforce means we can restore, transform and strengthen health systems to ensure health equity. By investing in nursing and respecting rights we can build a stronger, more resilient, competent and satisfied nursing workforce to meet the challenges ahead.