International Nurses Day 2026: Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives
Celebrated annually on 12 May, International Nurses Day recognises the vital contributions nurses make to global health and well-being. The 2026 theme, “Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives,” highlights the urgent need to support, strengthen, and invest in the nursing workforce as a cornerstone of effective and resilient healthcare.
Across Europe and globally, nurses continue to face increasing demand, workforce shortages, and growing complexity in care delivery. These challenges underline the need for continued investment in education, improved working conditions, and greater recognition of nurses’ expertise within healthcare systems. Empowering nurses is essential to ensuring high-quality care and resilient health systems.
Nurses play a key role in pain management, often serving as the first point of contact for patients living with acute or chronic pain. Their holistic approach, addressing physical, psychological, and social dimensions, supports effective, patient-centred care. Through patient education, treatment support, and multidisciplinary collaboration, pain nurses contribute significantly to improving outcomes and quality of life.
As healthcare evolves, strengthening specialised skills remains essential. Initiatives such as the European Diploma in Pain Nursing (EDPN) help recognise expertise and support professional development, ensuring nurses are equipped to meet the challenges of modern pain care.
EFIC offers additional opportunities for nursing education and networking:
International Nurses Day Webinar
EFIC is hosting a webinar on 12 May 2026 to highlight the vital role of pain nurses in improving pain care. The session will explore nurses’ evolving role and introduce the European Diploma in Pain Nursing (EDPN) as a pathway for professional development.
Sign up now here
EFIC Academy
Join a growing community of professionals and access exclusive resources in pain education. Members benefit from reduced fees, free events, and tailored content based on the EFIC Nurse Curricula.
EDPN Exam
The European Diploma in Pain Nursing (EDPN) is designed to recognise specialised expertise in pain care. Developed by EFIC with leading experts, it supports the advancement of standards in pain nursing across Europe.
Learn more here
EFIC Pain Schools
Open to early-career health professionals, these short, intensive courses offer evidence-based approaches to the assessment and treatment of pain. Details here.
As the world reflects on the role of nurses this May, we should also commit to supporting their wellbeing and strengthening their role in healthcare, because the future of care depends on those who deliver it.
For more on International Nurses Day 2026, click here.
