On International Nurses Day (IND), the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) and its members are calling on us all to acknowledge and celebrate the critical contribution nurses make in caring for the community each and every day.

ANMF Federal Secretary Annie Butler said nurses have been at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19 in Australia and across the world and are continuing to staff vaccination centres. Today we acknowledge their extraordinary dedication and commitment, which for too many has come at a tragic cost, with over 3,000 nurses losing their lives throughout the pandemic to date.

“IND is a time when we can all stop and reflect on the tremendous work of our nurses across the country. And never has their courage and compassion been so clearly demonstrated as it has been over the last year. So today we acknowledge the critical role nurses have played in the fight against COVID-19 and the role they play every day in improving the health of our communities,” Ms Butler said today.

“The Government has rightfully praised the role of our nurses throughout the pandemic and on this IND it can support nurses and nurse-led initiatives, including a greater emphasis on the role of nurse practitioners in delivering best practice care to the community.

“We can achieve a stronger, sustainable public healthcare system, with our nurses leading the way.”

ANMF media release authorised by Annie Butler, ANMF Federal Secretary. 1/365 Queen St, Melbourne.

The ANMF, with over 300,000 members, is the industrial and professional voice for nurses, midwives and carers in Australia.