INTERNATIONAL NURSES DAY – MORE RESEARCH FOR A BETTER FUTURE!

In the International Nurses Day, the ENRF wants to mark the great contribution of nurses and their vital role to deliver excellence and high-quality care on a daily basis. As demonstrated by Covid-19 pandemic, more than ever, nurses have an essential role in running the healthcare systems in the EU, always at the frontline of care for patients doing their utmost to provide high-quality and safe care.

Supporting nurses and nursing research to improve the quality of care and the health conditions across EU Member States through better prevention, access, and treatment is fundamental. Politicians and decision-makers at EU and national levels are seeking new approaches to health and healthcare. Nurses have good solutions, but far too often they are not valued, and/or have little influence in the decision-making process. Integrating nursing research into the EU policy arena, and increasing its emphasis at EU level to secure reliable evidence from which to base future policy decisions, especially when developing the European Pillar on Social Rights, is crucial to improve healthcare quality and safety and to make sure that nursing views are taken into account when developing fit-for-purpose EU policies.

Horizon Europe represents a great opportunity to strengthen nursing research and make change happen for the EU Health systems. As stated by Peter Haertwich, Head of Unit for Research and Innovation at the European Commission “It is essential to carefully choose the necessary scientific and technical excellence to success in a very competitive selection process as Horizon Europe”. Nursing researchers have a leading role to play in this and to create a more innovative, digital and resilient health system

In an even more digitalized and changing world, nursing research must progress and keep pace in order to ensure a healthcare system able of addressing future crises. It is important to reach better ways of living, protecting our environment and our health, and redirecting our economy and consumption to sustainable society to ensure caring for all. A lot can be achieved via EU nursing research and, in this context, nurses’ researchers have a key role to play.

More nursing research for a better future!

Happy International Nurses’ Day, today and every day!