Nurses: the voice to lead health for all (ICN theme for 2020)

The World Health Organisation (WHO) had declared the year 2020 as the 'International Year of the Nurse and Midwives', which coincides with the 200th birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, one of the founders of modern nursing. This is the first time in the history of nursing that nations unite to celebrate the essence that nursing and midwifery bring to the health of the global population
Globally, every country needs competent, motivated, committed, well-qualified, skillful, accountable and compassionate nurses and midwives as part of their healthcare workforce - providing excellent quality health services to their people.
As the historical event commemorates nurses and midwives across the globe, nursing continues to stand strong as a noble profession that is dedicated to the service of humanity. This year, the days and weeks mean something different for nurses across the world - long working hours along with periods of quarantine - as we continue to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.
Amidst this crisis, to hear an echo from all cross-sections of the human race applauding, recognising and acknowledging nurses for their bravery and contribution, as they provide frontline care service to Covid-19 patients, is positively gratifying.

Nurses' Day message

Dr Vijaya Kumardhas
Dean, RAK College of Nursing
RAK Medical and Health Sciences University
When I see my students from all the nursing degree programmes (BSN, RN-BSN and MSN), participating either as volunteers or as frontline workers - even before the completion of their graduation - it makes me proud to be a nurse and an educational leader in the UAE.
We are immensely grateful to the brave students of our BSN, RN-BSN and MSN programmes, as well as nursing healthcare professionals who are going an extra mile to save lives as frontline warriors while spending months away from their families and friends.
We thank our visionary leaders of the UAE, who have strongly supported the healthcare services of the country. We commend the efficient nurse leaders who planned and managed the emergency caused by the Covid-19 pandemic in the country.
Thanks also goes to our dedicated faculty and management for guiding and nurturing these young dedicated nursing professionals.
We wish all our nursing heroes a very Happy Nurses Day.
Stay safe and healthy!