Recognising nurses as leading the health of communities

12 May 2017

Today the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) acknowledged International Nurses Day and thanked the nurses of Australia for their contribution to the health of their communities.

International Nurses Day is celebrated on 12 May each year to mark the birthday of Florence Nightingale, and this year’s theme is ‘Nurses: A voice to lead, achieving the sustainable development goals.’

‘Nurses are the frontline of healthcare and Australia’s 375,528 registered and enrolled nurses make a huge contribution to the health of their communities,’ said NMBA Chair, Associate Professor Lynette Cusack RN.

‘Nurses work across many different areas of practice, leading their communities’ health in policy, hospital and community settings and aged care, just to name a few.

‘On behalf of the NMBA, I’d like to thank our nurses for their work here and around the world.’

The NMBA sets the national standards, codes and guidelines that nurses and midwives must meet to be registered in Australia.

Associate Professor Cusack said that the NMBA was continuing to lead evidence-based reviews of nursing standards, codes and guidelines, including open consultation with the profession and the public.

‘We have the new code of conduct for nurses being released later this year. The new code is based on the best available evidence, including an extensive literature review, analysis of data and professional focus groups. It’s also the result of wide ranging consultation with the profession and the public.’

Associate Professor Cusack said that the NMBA continues to improve its support for nurses to practise safely.

‘This year has seen the launch of Nurse & Midwife Support – the first national health support program specifically for nurses and midwives.

‘Nurse & Midwife Support offers confidential, independent advice and referral on health issues to the nursing and midwifery professions. It’s a great service, which helps our nurses to care for themselves so they can continue caring for others.’

Nurse & Midwife Support is an independent service which can be reached 24 hours a day on 1800 667 877.

For more information:

• For media enquiries: (03) 8708 9200
• Lodge an online enquiry form
• For registration enquiries: 1300 419 495 (within Australia) +61 3 9275 9009 (overseas callers)