On International Nurses Day, a nursing Senior Lecturer from Birmingham City University (BCU) says this year’s theme is more important than ever.
The International Council of Nurses has declared 2026’s theme as: Empowered Nurses Save Lives.
With 43% of all new nurses in the West Midlands Combined Authority area trained at BCU, the university is developing nurses within Birmingham and beyond to not just provide care, but be leaders in healthcare.
Dr Chinenye Anetekhai RN is a Senior Lecturer in Nursing at BCU and set up a charity in Nigeria called COA-CONE, to address burns injuries in the country.
“My journey as a Registered Nurse and Midwife in Nigeria, the UK and the US has taught me that empowered nurses do far more than care for patients,” said Dr Anetekhai.
“They advocate for the vulnerable, educate communities, lead research, shape policy and help to rebuild lives after trauma.”
Dr Anetekhai is also calling for more investment in nursing education and nurses as people: “The future of healthcare will not be built by technology alone.
“It will be shaped by compassionate, educated and resilient nurses who are leaders in their community.
“Today, we honour nurses not only for what they do, but for who we are: the heartbeat of healthcare, the voice of humanity, and the bridge between science and compassion.”