International Nurses Day 2025: Putting Nurses’ Wellbeing at the Centre
Celebrated annually on 12 May, International Nurses Day recognises the immense contributions that nurses make to global health and well-being. In 2025, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) has chosen the theme “Our Nurses. Our Future. The economic power of care.” This year’s campaign shifts focus to prioritising the wellbeing of nurses and their vital role in strengthening resilient health systems worldwide.
The challenges that nurses face—ranging from staffing shortages and burnout to unsafe working environments—have underscored the urgent need for policy reforms that protect and empower the nursing workforce. The ICN calls for better investment in nursing education, fairer wages, improved working conditions, and the integration of nurses into healthcare decision-making processes. Central to this call is recognising that healthier nurses lead to healthier communities.
Nurses play an essential role in pain management, often serving as the first point of contact for patients experiencing acute or chronic pain. Their holistic approach—assessing not only the physical but also emotional and psychological dimensions of pain—makes them uniquely positioned to offer compassionate and effective care. Nurse-led pain management contributes significantly to patient education, treatment adherence, and interdisciplinary collaboration, ultimately improving health outcomes and quality of care.
EFIC also offers several educational and networking opportunities for nurses:
EFIC Academy
Join a growing network of professionals and gain access to exclusive pain education resources. Academy members benefit from reduced fees, free events, and tailored content aligned with the EFIC Nurse Curricula.
More information here.
EDPN Exam
The European Diploma in Pain Nursing (EDPN) offers recognition and validation for nurses specialised in pain care. Developed by EFIC and leading experts, the EDPN exam helps raise 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, let us also commit to supporting their wellbeing and elevating their position in healthcare systems—because the future of care starts with the wellbeing of those who provide it.
For more on International Nurses Day 2025, click here.
