Posted on 12th May 2025, by Admin
As a Head and Neck Cancer Surgeon, I witness every single day what textbooks often don’t highlight—the quiet strength, endless compassion, and clinical brilliance of nurses. They are not just the backbone of hospitals; they are the heart. On this International Nurses Day, I salute every nurse who stands by patients not only in moments of crisis but throughout the slow, steady climb toward healing.
This year’s theme—"Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for Nurses Strengthens Economies"—couldn't be more timely or relevant.
In oncology, especially head and neck cancer care, nurses are often the ones who first hold the patient’s hand after a diagnosis, who translate medical jargon into comfort, who notice the subtle signs of distress before they escalate. They monitor tracheostomy sites, counsel families, manage feeding tubes, and help patients find dignity in their most vulnerable moments. Without them, cancer care would be incomplete.
Caring for nurses isn’t just about fair pay or manageable shifts—it’s about recognizing their role as essential health infrastructure. Studies consistently show that better nursing support leads to better patient outcomes, lower hospital readmission rates, and reduced healthcare costs.
When we care for our nurses—physically, emotionally, and professionally—we build stronger health systems. In turn, these systems lead to healthier communities and more resilient economies. A nurse who is supported can support hundreds more; the ripple effect is exponential.
To the nurses who have stayed late in the ICU, who have calmly managed post-op crises, who have reassured anxious families when I stepped out of the OR—thank you. You are seen. You are respected. You are indispensable.
Let this day not just be one of acknowledgment, but one of action. Let’s advocate for better work environments, mental health resources, fair compensation, and continuous learning opportunities for our nurses.
Because when we care for our caregivers, we shape a healthier, more sustainable future—for healthcare and for humanity.
Happy International Nurses Day 2025.