Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Every year on May 12, the world celebrates International Nurses Day to honour their contributions and highlight their irreplaceable role in the world of healthcare. The date marks the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, whose legacy continues to inspire caregivers worldwide.
Since its introduction in 1965 by the International Council of Nurses (ICN), the day has become a global call to value the nursing profession, which serves as a pillar of healthcare and a foundation for healthier, more resilient societies.
On the occasion of International Nurses Day, nurses in Abu Dhabi shared with Aletihad what their profession means to them.
For Sara Alkuwaiti, a nurse at Imperial College London Diabetes Centre, nursing is about rebuilding trust, being a source of comfort and guidance, and reassuring every patient that they are in safe hands.
“Being a nurse is not just a profession — it is a lifelong commitment to care, compassion, and community. I’m proud to serve my country by supporting patients on their journey to better health every day,” she told Aletihad.
Alya Alhammadi, a nurse at HealthPlus, echoed the sentiment. To Alhammadi, every patient interaction is both a responsibility and a privilege, rooted in dignity, personal care, and compassion.
“Nursing allows me to make a difference in people’s lives, one patient at a time. As an Emirati nurse, I feel honoured to represent the strength and empathy of our nation’s caregivers,” she told Aletihad.
Jecymin David, a nurse at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi from the Philippines, said the international occasion celebrates the resilience, dedication, and unwavering spirit of nurses worldwide.
“Being a nurse means providing hope in moments of despair, a pillar of strength in times of uncertainty, and a source of comfort in the face of pain,” she said.
“With advancements in technology, a growing emphasis on preventive care, and a renewed focus on mental health, we can expect some transformative changes. I envision a future where nurses take on expanded roles as leaders, innovators, and advocates, driving positive outcomes for patients and communities alike,” David said.
Elena Bordei, who hails from Romania and works as Assistant Nurse Manager at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said: “Balancing the demands of the emergency department in hospitals with a fulfilling personal life requires a commitment to continuous development.”
“Over the 11 years of my career, I’ve learned the importance of mental resilience and work-life balance and how crucial it is for nurses to prioritise self-care amidst the intensity of our roles,” she said.
“The unwavering support for professional development at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhani has empowered me to grow both personally and clinically, ensuring we're equipped to provide the highest level of care,” Bordei added.
Annie Joy from India, who works as a nurse at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said: “Each day, as a nurse, I've had the privilege of being a part of a profession that goes beyond treating ailments, fostering wellness and resilience in individuals and communities alike.”
Joy urged aspiring nurses to embrace every opportunity to learn and grow, “for nursing is a journey of lifelong discovery and fulfillment”.
“Your compassion and dedication have the power to touch lives in ways you may never imagine.”
Nurses Strengthen Economies
This year’s theme, “Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for nurses strengthens economies”, serves as a reminder that supporting nurses is not only essential for patient care but also for the strength and stability of national economies. In its latest report, the ICN said that “investing in employee health could unlock $11.7 trillion in global economic returns”.
The report also cited research showing that a 1% increase in nurse density correlates with a 0.02% increase in life expectancy. And with each additional year of life expectancy, countries exhibited a corresponding 2.4% increase in economic growth.
However, both the ICN and the WHO warn in their reports of a worsening global nursing shortage. The WHO came out with its latest “State of World’s Nursing” report on Monday, with the UAE chairing its launch in the Eastern Mediterranean region. According to the report, the world was already short by approximately 5.8 million nurses in 2023, and by 2030, 89% of the shortage will be borne by low- and lower-middle-income countries.
The ICN report added that an additional 30 million nurses will be required to meet future healthcare demands.
“We cannot and would not want to envision a world without nurses. We must take action to diminish the threats to safe, supportive, and healthy working conditions that will attract future nurses and retain the dedicated nurses who are key to healthier communities, responsive societies, thriving economies, and powerful nations,” Dr. Pamela Cipriano, ICN President, said in the report.
In response, the ICN has put forward its “Caring for Nurses Agenda”, a seven-point action plan addressing urgent areas such as fair pay, safe staffing levels, workplace safety, career progression, and mental health support.
Meanwhile, the WHO called on countries to scale up the nursing workforce “by expanding education and training capacity, increasing jobs for nurses in the health system, improving working conditions and strengthening leadership and governance”.
