Nurses Week 2026

By: Paul Biluan, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, CEN, FFNMRCSI, FSIEN

May 6–12 | Celebrating Impact, Leadership, and Global Unity

A Message to Our Global Ambassadors

Happy Nurses Week to our Global Ambassadors.

This celebration matters. Nurses comprise the largest group of professionals in healthcare, and this week highlights the importance of our roles in sustaining health systems globally. Each of you represents not only the profession, but also the strength, resilience, and global impact of nursing.

This year, I encourage all of us to reflect on the International Council of Nurses (ICN) theme: “Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives.” Let us take this opportunity to explore what empowerment truly means, especially for our global network of Internationally Educated Nurses, and how we continue to build that empowerment through our shared work in SIENNA.

Honoring a Legacy, Inspiring the Future

Every year, Nurses Week culminates on May 12, marking International Nurses Day, a global observance that commemorates the birth of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. Her legacy continues to shape the profession’s commitment to compassionate, evidence-based, and transformative care.

In 2026, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) theme is:

“Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives.”

This theme is both a call to action and a recognition of the critical role nurses play in shaping the future of global health.

The Backbone of Healthcare

Nurses are, and always have been, the backbone of healthcare systems worldwide. From bedside care to leadership roles, from community outreach to policy advocacy, nurses are essential at every level.

The COVID-19 pandemic reminded the world of this reality. It brought global attention to the resilience, courage, and expertise of nurses. It also highlighted the urgent need to invest in and empower the nursing workforce.

Today, the message is clear: empowered nurses are not optional, they are essential.

Empowerment as a Global Imperative

The 2026 ICN theme emphasizes empowerment, not just as a concept but as a strategy. Empowerment means:

• Enabling nurses to practice to the full extent of their education and training

• Creating opportunities for leadership and decision-making

• Investing in education, mentorship, and professional development

• Removing systemic barriers that limit growth and representation

Empowerment allows nurses to fully harness their capacity and contribute meaningfully to healthcare transformation.

Internationally Educated Nurses: A Global Force

According to the World Health Organization:

• 1 in 7 nurses globally are IENs

• In some high-income countries, IENs make up as much as 23% of the workforce

These numbers reflect more than statistics. They represent a powerful, diverse, and highly skilled segment of the nursing profession.

IENs are vital to:

• Ensuring access to care in underserved areas

• Promoting health equity

• Delivering culturally competent, evidence-based care

• Strengthening healthcare systems across borders

Their contributions are not supplemental. They are foundational.

SIENNA’s Role: Empowering IENs to Lead

The ICN’s theme strongly aligns with the mission of the Society of Internationally Educated Nurses and Nursing Allies (SIENNA).

At SIENNA, empowerment is not just a message. It is a mission in action.

We are committed to:

• Leadership Development Supporting IENs to step into leadership roles and influence decision-making

• Representation Ensuring IEN voices are present in national and global nursing discussions

• Education and Mentorship Providing resources, guidance, and structured mentorship pathways

• Advocacy Championing policies that promote equity, inclusion, and professional growth

• Community and Belonging Creating a space where IENs feel seen, supported, and connected

SIENNA exists to ensure that IENs do not just participate in the profession, but lead, innovate, and transform it. Our work is grounded in building a strong support system, providing access to education, and fostering a sense of belonging for nurses navigating their professional journey  .

From Participation to Leadership

As we reflect on empowerment, it is important to recognize that growth in nursing often begins with participation but must evolve into leadership. Many IENs start their journey focused on adapting to new systems and environments. Over time, that experience becomes a foundation for influence and impact.

Empowerment is realized when nurses step forward to lead initiatives, contribute to decision-making, and shape the future of healthcare. It is seen when they claim their space at the table, advocate for change, and bring forward perspectives that strengthen the profession. Leadership is not limited to titles. It is demonstrated through action, voice, and presence.

SIENNA continues to support this progression by creating opportunities for engagement, mentorship, and leadership development, ensuring that IENs are not only included, but elevated.

A Week of Celebration and Reflection

Nurses Week serves as both a celebration and a moment of reflection. It is a time to recognize the dedication, resilience, and contributions of nurses across the globe, while also considering the direction of the profession.

For IENs, this week represents a shared journey marked by transition, growth, and achievement. It is a recognition of the challenges overcome and the impact made in diverse healthcare settings. It is also a celebration of community, where connection and collaboration continue to strengthen the profession.

Within SIENNA, this sense of community is central. We bring together nurses from across the world, creating a space where experiences are shared, support is accessible, and collective progress is possible.

Looking Ahead: Our Nurses, Our Future

Looking ahead, the future of healthcare depends on how we continue to invest in and empower nurses. Empowerment must remain a priority, not only in conversation but in action.

For IENs, this means continued access to opportunities, representation in leadership, and inclusion in shaping healthcare systems. It requires sustained efforts in mentorship, education, and advocacy to ensure that every nurse has the ability to contribute fully and lead confidently.

SIENNA remains committed to advancing this vision. By strengthening networks, supporting professional growth, and advocating for equity, we continue to build a future where IENs are recognized as essential leaders in global health.

Happy Nurses Week

This is a time to honor your work, your journey, and your impact. It is also a time to reaffirm your role in shaping the future of nursing. The contributions of nurses extend far beyond patient care. They influence systems, policies, and communities.

Continue to lead when opportunities arise. Continue to represent with purpose. Continue to support one another as part of a global community committed to excellence in nursing.

Together, we are not only celebrating the profession. We are defining its future.

About the Author

Paul Biluan, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, CEN, FFNMRCSI, FSIEN serves as President of the Society of Internationally Educated Nurses and Nursing Allies (SIENNA), leading initiatives focused on empowerment, leadership development, and global representation of internationally educated nurses.