Nurses Day: More Than Just Greetings and Good Wishes

Recently, the world celebrated International Nurses Day (IND), a day set aside by the International Council of Nurses (ICN) to honor these incredible individuals. However, in Pakistan, it seems the spirit of the day isn't fully embraced. 

The ICN's vision for IND isn't just about sending congratulatory messages or showering nurses with flowers. The crux of this day is to highlight the significance of nursing as a profession and advocate for the rights, respect, and recognition that nurses deserve. 

Let's be clear: Pakistani nurses are among the most dedicated and hardworking healthcare professionals globally. They often work tirelessly under challenging conditions, performing long shifts, sometimes up to 12 hours or more without any additional compensation. Despite the strenuous routine, they are expected to be present and proactive even in the most difficult situations - be it a strike, violent protest, or a pandemic-induced lockdown. 

Regrettably, the working conditions for nurses in most hospitals in Pakistan are far from ideal. Nurses are frequently overburdened, sometimes caring for up to 50 patients in a single ward. They work in an environment that doesn't prioritize safety or security, and they are often at the receiving end of patients' backlash due to systemic issues beyond their control. 

Nursing is not just a job; it's a vocation that requires continuous learning, research, and professional development. However, in Pakistan, there's a conspicuous lack of investment in  nurses' education and professional growth. This deficiency, coupled with inadequate pay and benefits, has resulted in a significant 'brain drain.' The brightest and most competent nurses are leaving the country for greener pastures where their skills and dedication are adequately rewarded.   

The International Nurses Day should not merely be an event marked on the calendar, nor should it be just an exchange of well-wishing messages on WhatsApp.  It should serve as a beacon, illuminating the challenges faced by our nurses,  prompting discourse,  and propelling action. It should be a day when we, as a nation, pledge to better appreciate and invest in our nurses - in their safety, their education, their welfare, and their future.

Reflecting on the Charter for Change, proposed by the International Council of Nurses (ICN) this year, it's a wakeup call for us here in Pakistan. It's like a roadmap, pointing us in the direction we need to travel for the betterment of our nursing community, and indeed, our healthcare system.

The Charter's words resonate with us, echoing through the corridors of our hospitals and clinics. It talks about investing in nursing to achieve Sustainable Development Goals and Universal Health Coverage. For us, this rings true as we need to start viewing healthcare as an investment in our people's health and the future of our nation, rather than a drain on our resources. 

The Charter speaks volumes about improving nurses' health and wellbeing, advocating for safe and healthy working conditions. This hits home for us. Our nurses are often found working in stressful conditions, dealing with an overwhelming number of patients, and facing potential violence or hazards. The message is clear: it's time we stood up for our nurses, ensuring they have a safe, supportive environment to work in. 

The ICN Charter also emphasizes the importance of retaining and recruiting nurses, addressing the current workforce shortage, and improving their compensation. This could not be more relevant to our situation in Pakistan.  We have seen many of our talented and dedicated nurses leaving for better opportunities abroad, drawn by better pay, working conditions, and chances for professional growth. We need to listen to our nurses, provide them with the necessary resources, and make their voices heard.

The Charter also underscores the need for high-quality nursing education programs. This is an area where we in Pakistan need to improve significantly. Investing in nursing education will not only prepare new nurses but also provide existing ones with opportunities for career progression, equipping them with the skills and confidence to address our communities' evolving health needs. Though, we have brought improvement in this regard by moving from diploma to MSN and PhD level education, however, more resources are required to be invested in the government sector, particularly. 

The Charter also urges us to recognize and value the skills, knowledge, and expertise of our nurses. This means giving them a seat at the decision-making table, promoting a culture that values and respects the nursing profession, and ensuring that nursing ethics are at the heart of our health system's design and delivery.

As we reflect on this year's International Nurses Day,  let's not just celebrate our nurses for a day. Let's commit to the ICN's Charter for Change, to improving their working conditions, to respecting their rights, and to investing in their futures. Because when we uplift our nurses, we uplift our healthcare system, and ultimately, our entire nation.