International Nurses' Day 2026: celebrating nursing as a global profession

Nursing is a global profession. Across the world, nursing is highly skilled and safety-critical, requiring exceptional dedication, professionalism and expertise.

At a time of increasing geopolitical instability, shrinking development funding, and political pressure on health systems worldwide, the nursing community globally faces shared challenges that transcend borders.

Global nursing solidarity is increasingly important.

Nursing staff around the world face many similar issues; staff shortages and compromised patient care, as well as a lack of value for the role of nursing staff.

This year, we want to lift the voice of nursing around the world.

Ahead of the 12 May, you can visit our website to order badges and download posters and materials now to celebrate the day in your workplace.

We invite you to share your stories and show your appreciation to your colleagues using #NursesDay or #InternationalNursesDay in any of your own social media posts on 12 May.

Our unique film highlighting the impact, care and compassion of nursing staff across borders will also be revealed, so keep an eye out for that.

RCN International Nurses' Day 2026 is sponsored by LV=.