International Nurses Day is a time to celebrate the work and contribution that nurses make in the world, whether that be leading and delivering care; engaging in ground-breaking research; educating others; or shaping global, national, regional policies and services.

I am proud to be a nurse. Being there with people at some of the hardest times in their lives and when they are most vulnerable, but also being part of their recovery is what nursing is to me. Nurses make a difference, supporting people in their health and wellness journey, and of course being there at the end of their journey.

The theme of this year’s International Nurses Day is ‘Our Nurses, Our Future’ which I think is particularly apt given the journey we are on here at Leeds Trinity University to start Nursing programmes. This is a wonderful opportunity to help shape the nursing workforce in our region and support the health and wellbeing of our residents and community.

The courses are planned to start in January 2024, subject to approval by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), and our new and exciting health building is currently under construction. It will have a six-bed simulated ward, a high dependency bed, and a technology-enabled community flat. This will enable our students to practise and consolidate their skills, including when caring for people in their own homes. When complete, we will be inviting stakeholders and the community to see and meet the teachers, partners and those who are interested in becoming the nurses of the future.

We had an exciting ‘delivery’ recently and welcomed our first two manikins. Students will work with these to practise their skills and receive feedback.

Have a great International Nurses Day.

For more information about our Nursing courses, visit the Leeds Trinity University website.

Susan Wakefield is Deputy Dean of the School of Health and Life Sciences at Leeds Trinity University.