The Essence of a Nurse: International Nurses Day 2025

To celebrate the international day for nurses

Here’s the essence of nursing in just a few verses

Governed by the Nursing and Midwifery Code

Florence established this career, paving the road

Nurses are loyal, patient advocates and brave

Caring for all from the cradle to grave

Adaptive chameleons, the NHS ‘glue’

Often in uniforms, usually of blue

Nurses can muster to deal with surprises

Offering support to patients, whatever arises

Some call us Angels, placed here on earth

Caring and nurturing from the first breath of birth

We provide care, are gentle and kind

Holistically restoring soul, body and mind

We aim to make our children feel alive

Developing life skills to truly thrive

Other patients need different approaches to care

When feeling deserted, in deepest despair

Or at end of life when the future’s unclear

Supporting the patient to have loved ones near

From paediatrics, oncology, learning disability and school nursing

Between acute and community, effectively conversing

Always growing, enquiring, a wish to inspire

Having opportunity to become whatever they desire

Fun loving, team players, social event planners

Whatever the situation, displaying good manners

Through good times and bad, at the end of the day

A ‘thank you’ from patients, goes such a long way

Written by Cheryl Vidall (she/her)

CFHD Associate Clinical Director / Nurse Consultant