Honouring Tasmania’s Nurses on International Nurses Day

The Tasmanian Government extends its sincere thanks to the thousands of nurses who deliver compassionate, skilled and life changing care to Tasmanians every day.

International Nurses Day is celebrated globally on 12 May, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, and recognises the essential role nurses play in healthcare systems worldwide.

Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Bridget Archer, said nurses are the backbone of our health system, supporting people at every stage of life, across hospitals, primary care, mental health, aged care, community services and beyond.

“On International Nurses Day, we honour the remarkable contribution of Tasmania’s nurses. Their professionalism, resilience and commitment ensure Tasmanians receive safe, high quality care, often during their most vulnerable moments,” Minister Archer said.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to every nurse across our State. Thank you for the skill, compassion and humanity you bring to your work every single day.”

Minister Archer said that the Government is proud to support our nursing workforce, with thousands of additional nurses employed in our health system since 2014.

“We are delivering for nurses by supporting them to upskill through the recently released Nurse Practitioner Strategy 2025–2030, which sets out a clear focus to strengthen the role and impact of Nurse Practitioners across Tasmania,” Minister Archer said.

“Nurse Practitioners are vital clinical leaders in our system. Their advanced skills and ability to independently diagnose, treat and prescribe enables timely, person centred care.

“The Strategy reinforces our commitment to growing and supporting Tasmania’s nursing workforce, ensuring nurses can work to their full scope. This echoes the theme of this year’s International Nurses Day – Empowered nurses save lives.

“To every nurse, thank you. You make an extraordinary difference, and today we celebrate your dedication, leadership and the profound impact you have on Tasmanians and their families.”