International Nurses Day

Each year, International Nurses Day is celebrated worldwide on 12th of May. Since 1965 the International Council of Nurses (ICN) has led this event to acknowledge and publicly appreciate nurses, their work in supporting those in need and the value they bring to our community. 

This year’s theme puts a spotlight on the current issues experienced by the nursing community across the globe. 

“Nurses: A Voice to Lead – Invest in nursing and respect rights to secure global health, focusing on the need to protect, support and invest in the nursing profession to strengthen health systems around the world.”

At Homage we not only endorse but we support this year’s theme. Aligned to our mission of  enabling wellness and recovery through holistic personal care, we are supporting global health goals across Australia and in Singapore, Malaysia and Japan. 

Why do we celebrate International Nurses Day?

International Nurses Day is celebrated on the birthday of Florence Nightingale, who is considered the pioneer of modern nursing. Also known as “The Lady With the Lamp”  Florence Nightingale is arguably the most famous nurse in history, having created the foundation of modern nursing, and whose influence is still alive today.

Florence Nightingale – The pioneer of modern nursing 

Born into a wealthy aristocratic family in Florence, Italy in 1820, Florence Nightingale devoted her life to nursing. Affirmed to live a luxurious life without having to work for a living, she followed her desire to care for people by starting a nursing career, having a major influence on modern nursing practice. Considered a strong female leader, Nightingale is well known from her nursing contribution during the Crimean War, as well as her academic contribution in nursing study is represented by over 150 of her publications in books, pamphlets and reports. She established Nightingale Nursing School attached to St.Thomas Hospital in London, which was the world’s first non-religious nursing school.

How to celebrate the International Nurses Day

Celebrate International Nurses Day by reaching out to nurses you know or work with and say thank you for their amazing work in supporting our community. If you have a friend or family member who is a nurse, reach out to them today and tell them how appreciated their work is – it could be as simple as chatting with them about the issues they are facing, or treat them to a coffee or lunch to make them feel special!

In Australia, HESTA Australian Nursing & Midwifery Awards are held around this time each year. The main purpose of the awards is to recognise Care Professionals including; nurses, midwives, nurse educators and researchers as well as personal care workers. In 2022, award winners will be announced on 19 May 2022.

What does International Nurses Day mean to Homage?

As a home and in-facility care provider, nurses are essential to our services and we are incredibly grateful for the contribution they make to our community. We believe the core of quality service is about creating trust among people so respect and appreciation is at the heart of what we do.
We say a big thank you to all of our Care Professionals and a big shout out to our EN and RN’s who form part of our teams in Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.
To truly understand what International Nurses Day means to Homage, we asked some of our own nurses to tell us what the day means to them:

Deborah Goh, Enrolled Nurse
To me IND means showering love on our nurses and sharing the recognition they deserve and reminds us how much we truly appreciate the dedication and efforts made by all nurses. Recent years have been so taxing with covid so this is the best time to be cheerleaders for the amazing work performed by nurses!
I think this year’s theme “A Voice to Lead” is important as it gives nurses a voice to be honest and share the reality of the healthcare system. We can advocate for the next generation by sharing our nursing experiences, to acknowledge those who express burnout or those who have felt or feel unsafe in their workspace. Being heard matters so we can keep flourishing to nurture those in need with a guarded heart.
The last few years with Covid has really brought awareness to the healthcare system, allowing people to express themselves more and to feel validated in their work. This year’s theme really highlights the importance of sharing and empathising with the health community as a team.

Linda Stainton, Registered Nurse
IND is a day when Nurses are front and centre, to remind people how important and integral nurses are to the world healthcare systems and deserve investment to ensure we are around for the future.
After the past two years I think IND is more important than ever to thank all those nurses who have gone above and beyond on the front line and in aged care due to the pandemic.
I think this year’s theme is important because the healthcare system has been highly affected by the pandemic, and is facing shortages of nurses and carers so it is timely to remind everyone that nurses are worth investment.
On the lighter side it is a day when nurses can get together and support each other and celebrate the amazing job they all do.

Become a Homage Care Professional

Are you a nurse in Melbourne, Adelaide or Perth? Looking to be part of a supportive team providing care to your community? We would love you to join us! Sign up with Homage and work when, where and for as long as you want!

• With an hourly rate of up to $57 per hour for an EN or $67.50 for an RN, and depending on day and time of day, earn an extra income by caring for your community. Plus care bonuses for short visits, public holidays and overnight shifts.
• Full flexibility and control of your schedule: You decide when you work and for how long, using our Smart App to accept the jobs that suit you. Pursue your passion in delivering care with the flexibility to enjoy your life too.

Apply now here or chat to the team at +61 480 093 788. Do you have a friend or family member who is a nurse? Refer your friends/family to join our team.

Home nursing services provide a registered nurse to visit you at home and give both simple and complex nursing procedures as needed. There are treatment and management options available. It is important to form a team of healthcare professionals and to access resources and support so that you can continue to enjoy quality of life while living daily life.

Do you need home care support?

Homage has a dedicated team of highly-skilled and compassionate Nurses and Support Workers just like Deborah and Linda who are ready to support you or a loved one to start leading healthy and independent lives.

Many of our services are covered under various government and private funding options such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Home Care Plan (HCP), and WorkSafe.