The global campaign Nursing Now, aiming to raise the status and profile of nursing and midwifery around the world, was launched on 28 February 2018. Run in collaboration with ICN and the World Health Organization, Nursing Now seeks to empower nurses to take their place at the heart of tackling 21st Century health challenges.

Nursing Now will run to the end of 2020 – the 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth. The campaign aims to improve perceptions of nurses, enhance their influence and maximise their contributions to ensuring that everyone everywhere has access to health and healthcare.

These are some of the key campaign messages:

EMPOWER NURSES: As the health professionals closest to the public, nurses should be empowered to realise their full potential. It’s time for nurses to play an even bigger role in health.

SUPPORT NURSES: Changes in health care are opening new opportunities for nurses and midwives. Support them as they promote health, prevent disease and provide treatment.

INVOLVE NURSES: Nurses and midwives will be key to solving today’s health challenges – if they are properly deployed, valued and included. Make the case for putting them at the heart of policy and decision-making.

NURSES ARE VITAL: We cannot achieve universal health coverage without nurses and midwives. Celebrate their contributions to achieving the goal that everyone, everywhere has quality health care.

INVEST IN NURSES: Improving nurses’ working conditions, training and leadership skills will enhance health, empower women and strengthen local economies. Make the case for more investment in nursing.