Annual day to honour and celebrate children’s nurses announced

A day to celebrate children’s nurses has been designated by the Association of British Paediatric Nurses (ABPN).

The children’s nursing association announced that 30 June will be ‘National Children’s Nurses Day’ with the aim to celebrate and honour the profession.

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It is hoped the ‘skill, compassion, and expertise’ of children’s nurses will be acknowledged, as well as the ‘difference they make in the lives of children, young people and families’.

The ABPN said it also wanted to honour the profession and inspire future generations to join.

Announcing the new annual celebration, the ABPN highlighted key children’s nursing figures, and said: ‘As a profession, we stand on the shoulders of pioneers such as Catherine Jane Wood, one of the founders of children’s nursing and collaborator with Charles West at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

‘Catherine Wood was among the first to champion the need for specific nursing education for nurses to care for children.

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‘Her insight remains as vital today as it was then, echoed and carried forward by inspirational leaders including Dame Elizabeth Fradd, who tirelessly advocated for the education, leadership, and recognition of children’s nurses across the UK and beyond.

‘Today, children’s nurses care for babies, children and young people in acute, mental health, primary and community settings.’

The ABPN also hopes to amplify the importance of ‘investing in children’s nursing education, research, and leadership’ on 30 June.

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It added: ‘As children’s nurses, we are privileged to be part of families’ journeys, sometimes at moments of great joy, sometimes of uncertainty or loss.

‘This day will serve as an annual reminder of the profound difference that children’s nurses make, caring for the child, supporting the family, and advocating for every young person’s right to grow up healthy, safe, and hopeful.’